Hong Kong Government cuts tourism funding by 40%

The Hong Kong Government is to reduce funding on its tourism operations - including the loss-making Ocean Park - and marketing by HK$951.5 million (US$121 million) in the 2023/24 financial year.

While the nearly 40% (37.7%) reduction in funding is partly due to the completion of a non-recurrent funding to the Ocean Park Corporation as of the current financial year, the budget reduction is seen as concerning at a time when operators in all areas of Hong Kong tourism are keen to attract post pandemic visitors.

According to a report in the South China Morning Post, Teddy Chung, President of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, said that the cut in funding was not good, that new funds could be used to repair or buy new tour coaches, or help operators to hire more drivers, as business were facing a shortage of workers.

Announced in late April, the reduced funding was defended by Hong Kong Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Joe Wong.

Since the end of mandatory mask wearing on 1st March, inbound tourists from mainland China and overseas have been returning to Hong Kong.

According to the tourist inbound figures from 18th March, over 102,000 inbound tourists from the mainland and almost 20,000 overseas visitors are coming to Hong Kong daily, recording the highest figure since the cross-border restrictions were lifted on 6th February.

In addition, the ‘Hello Hong Kong’ campaign, launched on 2nd February, has aimed to drive incoming visitation.

The first global promotional drive since the lifting of the pandemic-induced travel restrictions, the campaign includes a draw for 500,000 air tickets, which are being distributed globally over a period of about six months.

The resurgence of Hong Kong tourism will see more than 200 large-scale events ranging from arts and culture to sports and entertainment held alongside business events targeting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) visitors throughout the year.

Ocean Park received HK$784 million (US$99.9 million) of Hong Kong taxpayer funds in the last financial year.

Image: Ocean Park Hong Kong.