Hong Kong tourism chief warns of need to balance visitor numbers with local needs
Hong Kong's culture and tourism chief says the government must balance tourism benefits with local residents' needs when promoting attractions. The official is cautious about reopening pedestrian zones and street performances, citing past complaints and noise issues.
Hong Kong's Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Lo, said on 4 November that the government must consider the carrying capacity of districts and attractions when promoting tourism projects and local events. She stressed the need to strike a balance between tourism benefits, local conditions and the needs of residents.
Lo noted that tourism projects, major events and festivals organised by the government in recent years have successfully drawn visitors and local residents to various districts. The Hong Kong Tourism Board has been promoting itineraries with local characteristics, including routes that feature the Old Wan Chai Police Station and the Central Market.
Responding to a question from Liberal Party lawmaker Holden Chow about whether the government would consider setting up more pedestrian zones across the city and allowing street performances, including the reopening of the Sai Yeung Choi Street pedestrian zone, Lo said the government must be careful because pedestrian zones could affect the road network, residents and businesses in the area.
She pointed out that street performances had caused disturbances in the past, including noise, environmental hygiene, street management and public order issues. Performances in former pedestrian zones had generated many complaints, and relevant policy bureaux and departments have been handling such complaints and concerns according to their respective powers and laws to minimise the impact of such activities on residents' daily lives and public space use. The government, she said, takes a very cautious approach to the idea of reopening pedestrian zones.
Lo added that there are plans for performers or groups to apply to stage outdoor performances at venues such as Sha Tin Town Hall and the West Kowloon Cultural District, to promote cultural arts and creative industries.
Some lawmakers expressed concern that visitors to Hong Kong are concentrated in a few districts and attractions and do not explore the 18 districts' back alleys or traditional shops. Lo responded that the situation must be handled carefully, giving the example of housing estates that have special attractions but where residents feel there are too many visitors, affecting their daily lives.