Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia are making strong progress in attracting more international visitors. Elsewhere, in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia recorded a 156 per cent jump in international arrivals compared to 2019. The problem with Hong Kong tourism is likely to lie squarely with the city’s declining competitiveness and attractiveness to international tourists.
Unfortunately, Hong Kong’s strong dollar (thanks to its US dollar peg) and the recent slowdown in the Chinese economy has led to flagging enthusiasm among mainland tourists for Hong Kong. 08:26 Set in Hong Kong: Where the biggest film star is the city itself But this attraction now pales in comparison to the rapidly evolving skylines of first-tier mainland cities, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, with new architecture marvels being thrown up every few years and in destinations much cheaper to visit than Hong Kong. Consequently, the attractiveness of The Peak, which offers grand views of the city, has declined.
A city with moderate-looking skyscrapers can only aspire to moderate visitor numbers and tourist spending. 03:39 Shop occupancy recovers in Hong Kong, but vacant stores still visible across the city Also, Hong Kong needs to look to nature for answers and properly develop its ecotourism. In my most recent trip to Hong Kong, I was surprised by how many fellow foreigners I met who were not aware of the beauty of Hong Kong’s nature.
Hong Kong could look to Indonesia’s Bali, a l.
