Tourism Study Interim Report
Giant Goddess of Tin Hau? Artificial beach? Boardwalk to Yeung Chau?
These were all suggestions that consultants to the SKDC heard throughout interviews, surveys and consultations during the first four months of their contract for the SK Tourism Potential Study.
Professors from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, headed by veteran tourism consultant, John Ap, reported findings to the Economic Development Committee of the SKDC recently.
They had four tasks:
- A base-line review of the tourism assets of SK
- A survey of visitors to SK
- Community consultations
- A review of the constraints and opportunities
Baseline Review
In summary; the consultants found that we have many natural resources but our cultural resources are scattered and not featured. Outdoor recreation resources are plentiful, but entertainment facilities limited. Seasonality problems exist with our restaurants and bars and transportation was cited as problematic.
Tourist signage is insufficient at transport interchanges and visitor amenities and services are limited. Our fish markets and fish hawking are of interest to visitors and boat and marine facilities are adequate. They cited pollution as an "SAR-wide problem", the public foreshore areas/promenade as "interesting to visitors" and water sports facilities plentiful while general [sports] facilities were adequate.
Visitor Survey
420 interviews were conducted in April 2007 at the waterfront promenade and Pak Tam Chung (entrance to SK Country Park). Click here for summary of the consultants’ findings.
From all of these surveys, the consultants deduced current constraints, weaknesses and opportunities for tourism in Sai Kung. Click for their summary of each.
In Summary
In summarizing their survey findings, the consultants stated:
- SK is blessed with natural resources, however, they are not easily accessible
- Leading visitor activities are dining, hiking/walking
- Its heritage/historical resources are scattered
- Not all resources are suitable as attractions
- The scope for international tourism is limited – but it’s OK for niche tourism
- Different notions of development from different groups:
- English-speaking community: conservation oriented and want to protect rural ambience
- Traditional local Chinese: view in terms of growth, constructions or renovation
- But – there is a common community concern: excessive development will erode rural charm & natural environment
- Dilemma: how to balance needs and priorities of the difference residents?
- Need dialogue and consensus building
- Address constraints & weaknesses
- Improve organization & co-ordination
- Improve appearance & tidy-up
- Feature local culture
- Act & seize upon the opportunities
- Consider the “hub & spoke” concept
- Bring nature to the people
- Develop an icon/logo for Sai Kung
- Get the community involved
Do you have comments on the progress of the study and the findings of the Interim Report? The Consultants WANT your views. Explore has offered to gather opinions and send them as a bunch to Prof. Ap and his team. Since the last phase of their study starts in August - they need views by 27 July. Send an email to Explore.