In December 1999, the Government and The Walt
Disney Company announced the development of Hong Kong Disneyland
Phase 1 at Penny's Bay on Lantau Island. The world-class theme park
— the first in China — targeted to open on September
12, 2005, will strengthen Hong Kong's position as Asia's most popular
city tourist destination. Upon opening, it will occupy an area of
126 hectares, comprising a Disney park with four different theme
areas, two Disney-themed hotels with 1 000 rooms, as well as retail,
dining and entertainment facilities. In its first year of operation,
the number of theme park visitors is estimated at 5.6 million, rising
to 10 million after about 15 years. The overall additional spending
is expected to amount to some $9.5 billion in Year 1, rising to
$18.7 billion per annum in Year 20 and beyond.
Beyond Disneyland, the Government is committed
to building on Hong Kong's attractiveness as a tourist destination
through the development of major new tourist attractions and the
enhancement of existing facilities:
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Construction of the Tung Chung Cable
Car System linking Tung Chung and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island
by the franchisee of the system, MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL),
commenced in December 2003. In addition, the MTRCL is also developing
'The Village' in Ngong Ping to provide complementary facilities
to meet the needs of visitors to the area. By early 2006, visitors
will be able to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the South
China Sea and the natural scenery of Lantau during a 20-minute
ride on the Cable Car System; |
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Construction of the heritage tourism
development at the former Marine Police Headquarters compound
in Tsim Sha Tsui started in March 2004. This is the first project
in which the private sector has been involved to preserve, restore
and convert historic buildings as a tourism-themed development
to enable local residents and visitors alike to appreciate Hong
Kong's unique cultural heritage. The successful bidder plans
to turn the site into a heritage hotel, with food and beverage
outlets, and retail facilities. The project is expected to be
completed in 2008; |
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Construction work on Phase 2 of the Hong
Kong Wetland Park at Tin Shui Wai — scheduled for completion
in early 2006 — is proceeding smoothly. The park will
be Hong Kong's first major ecotourism facility. Upon the opening
of Phase 2, the park is expected to attract some 540 000 nature
lovers a year to appreciate the unique wetland habitat of Hong
Kong; |
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The site work of the Heart Sutra Inscription
Project, a large outdoor wood inscription of a Chinese calligraphy
masterpiece by renowned scholar Professor Jao Tsung I featuring
the Prajna Paramita Hrdaya Sutra started in September
2004. The wood inscription will be erected at a site at the
foot of Lantau Peak, near Ngong Ping and is targeted for completion
in early 2005; |
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The Government commissioned a consultancy
to examine the market demand of the cruise industry as well
as the need for cruise terminal facilities in the medium to
long term. The study confirmed the need to develop additional
cruise terminal facilities to meet the forecast demand, if Hong
Kong wished to position itself as a regional cruise hub. The
Government is considering means to enable the timely development
of the new cruise terminal facilities; |
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The Government is also assisting Ocean
Park in its long-term strategic review, which will also help
to map out the future development at the Aberdeen Harbour tourism
node surrounding the park; |
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A Symphony of Lights, a world-class
multimedia light and sound show combining interactive light
on Hong Kong Island's key buildings and musical effects, showcases
the vibrancy and mesmerising night vista of Victoria Harbour.
Since its launch in January, the show has been very popular
with both the locals and visitors. This permanent tourism attraction
will be enhanced and become more spectacular by the end of 2005
when over 30 buildings on both sides of the harbour are included
in the show; |
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The Avenue of Stars, a new attraction
opened on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront in April, is designed
to cater to visitors' interest in Hong Kong movies, and honour
the contribution by the industry's leading players to the film
scene in Hong Kong and worldwide. Visitors can see handprint
plaques of well-known movie personalities past and present,
sculptures and videos. Special lighting effects are put on at
night, when the avenue offers an ideal viewing point for A
Symphony of Lights; |
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A programme to develop tourism in the
northern New Territories anchoring on a pilot green project
in the Plover Cove and Tolo Channel area and a study on the
development option for Tung Ping Chau is well underway. The
programme is based on the recommendations of a consultancy study
and will be implemented in stages. Relevant stakeholders will
be consulted on the draft action plan for the Plover Cove and
Tolo Channel area and options for the holistic development of
Tung Ping Chau in 2005; and |
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As part of the Government's strategy
to broadening the range of Hong Kong tourism products, the Government
has commissioned a consultancy to examine the development of
spa and resort facilities in Hong Kong. The study is expected
to be completed by the second quarter in 2005. |
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