Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Hong Kong has reignited its campaign to cultivate courteous manners among the catering, retail, and taxi industries, echoing similar initiatives from nearly three decades ago. The “Let’s Go the Extra Mile” drive, launched on Monday, features film star Louis Koo Tin-lok as its ambassador. Why Relaunch the Campaign? Hong Kong’s tourism industry, struggling with various challenges, is witnessing a shift in behavior among mainland Chinese visitors who now prefer cultural and in-depth experiences over retail splurges.
The rise of social media platforms like Xiaohongshu has amplified the impact of bad customer experiences, as these can quickly go viral. Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, emphasized that this is an opportune moment for the campaign, as the sector has been “dormant” for three years. Non-traditional tourist spots are attracting more visitors, and some operators, accustomed to local customers, need “reminders” about service quality.
Reports of poor customer service on social media have raised concerns about Hong Kong’s reputation as a welcoming tourist destination. Common Complaints Browsing through Xiaohongshu reveals numerous posts from visitors detailing negative experiences in the city, particularly in Hong Kong-style cafes (cha chaan teng). Comments like “paying for a hard time” and comparisons to service in other Chinese cities highlight the issue.
Local Industry Response In response, th.
