Visitor Signage and Tourist District Enhancement Improvements

The visitor signage improvement programme, which was introduced in Central and Stanley in 2001, is being extended to other tourist districts in phases, beginning with Wong Tai Sin, Sha Tin and Sai Kung in early 2002. The programme, covering all 18 districts, will be completed in 2003. The signs are intended to be eye-catching but in the rural districts green signage, which will blend in harmoniously with the natural environment, will be installed.

    The district-based enhancement projects in Central and Western District, Sai Kung Waterfront and Lei Yue Mun are progressing well and will be completed in 2003. Enhancement works include repaving of streets, redesigning street-lighting and erecting directional and information signage. Improvement works for Stanley Waterfront and the Peak will be carried out in 2004.

    The scope of the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade Beautification Project was expanded to cover the site to be vacated by the relocation of the existing Public Transport Interchange outside the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier. The promenade stretching from the Cultural Centre Piazza to Tsim Sha Tsui East will be enhanced in respect of access, landscape, lighting and open space. When completed in phases from 2005 to 2009, it will offer a much better place for residents and visitors to enjoy views of Victoria Harbour. As an advance element, works will be undertaken on the 'Avenue of Stars' project in 2003.

Service Quality

The Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme was launched in 1999 to promote high standards of service in retail shops and restaurants. As one of the key work areas for the HKTB, the scheme forms part of the continuing effort to promote quality service among service providers. By year-end, the number of businesses accredited by the certification scheme rose to 1 111, representing 3 433 outlets. The HKTB will expand the scope of the scheme and increase awareness of it among visitors and local residents.

    The Government had allocated $40 million to the HKTB to run the Tourism Orientation Programme for two years. This programme offers front-line experience and on-the-job training to around 400 participants by placing them in various sectors of the tourism industry. Its objective is to help train up a high calibre workforce for the industry and provide value-added services to visitors.

    The Tourism Commission launched a territory-wide public education campaign titled 'A Hospitable Hong Kong' in 2001, with young people among the main targets. The campaign continued in 2002. In collaboration with the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, the Tourism Commission set up the Hong Kong Young Ambassador scheme to groom a cadre of young leaders who can serve as 'ambassadors' to overseas visitors and provide an effective medium through which to spread hospitality messages among young people. During the year, an education kit on hospitality culture was developed for use in secondary schools and, in addition, a series of TV announcements was broadcast to promote a hospitality culture among the public.

Facilitation of Visitor Entry

From January 1, 2002, the quota system of the Hong Kong Group Tour Scheme was abolished. The number of designated travel agents authorised to organise tours for Mainland residents was also increased, to 528. As a consequence, the number of Mainland visitor arrivals soared by 53.4 per cent to 6.83 million.

    Taiwan is the HKSAR's second largest source market for tourism. Steps have been taken to facilitate the entry to Hong Kong of visitors from there. The Immigration Department introduced an iPermit Scheme in March to speed up the system under which permits to enter Hong Kong are issued to Taiwan residents. These can now be processed in minutes rather than days.

    To prepare for an influx of Mainland visitors during peak periods, the Government worked closely with the HKTB and the travel trade to put in place measures to facilitate the passengers flow at boundary control points. Work was also under way to improve the environment at the various control points.