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The following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the 49th Pacific Asia Travel Association Annual Conference Opening Ceremony today (May 1):
Mr Burruss, Mrs. Chow, distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is indeed a pleasure for me to be here today to welcome to Hong Kong so many international delegates and visitors for this very important event. Hosting of the annual conference of the Pacific Asia Travel Association is keenly contested by members and we are honored that this is the fourth time we have been selected as the host city. The fact that it is the first PATA conference of the new millennium also heightens the importance of your deliberations over the next few days. And with the economies of the Asian region rebounding after the financial crisis of the last two years, the timing for this conference couldn't have been more appropriate.
For 49 years, the PATA Annual Conference has been the premier meeting place for travel and tourism leaders. PATA, as one of the most important regional tourism bodies, is old enough to earn our respect, but still young enough to propound fresh ideas. That explains why we are here today to exchange views on how to develop and shape the future of global tourism. The Conference theme - "The Future is Now" - demonstrates our determination and willingness to accept responsibilities.
The significance of tourism to economies around the world is enormous. In some economies, it provides the greatest source of foreign exchange and forms the backbone of that economy. In our own case, the tourism industry contributes between 4 to 5 per cent of our GDP. Last year more than 10 and a half million people visited Hong Kong helping to boost receipts from the tourism industry to some HK$53 billion. And there is every indication that travel and tourism will play an increasingly important role in economic development in the new century. With improved working conditions and more leisure time available, people naturally want to travel. They want to get value for money, but they want new experiences. This, in turn, means increased competition.
Each year, vast amounts of money are invested by the private sector and the governments to develop the latest facilities, the newest attractions and to promote individual destinations so that even more people will be enticed to visit a particular country or particular region. And we are not just talking about leisure travel. Business travel, conventions, conferences, international expos have all become a vital part of the industry that you spearhead. Hong Kong, as Asia's top tourism destination, cannot remain complacent in the face of increased competition. That is why we are devoting so much energy and resources into our vision to become a world city of Asia. An important part of this strategy is the sustainable development of tourism and its careful promotion.
The agreement we reached with Walt Disney Company for the development of Hong Kong Disneyland is one manifestation of this goal. The international theme park, which is due to open in 2005, will help to keep Hong Kong as a key destination on the global tourism map. But it is by no means the only project to strengthen and consolidate the tourism industry. We have invited expressions of interest in the construction and operation of a scenic cable car system to link up our new airport with the Giant Buddha on Lantau Island; a feasibility study on a proposed Fisherman's Wharf development in the traditional fishing village of Aberdeen situated in the southern side of Hong Kong Island, is nearing completion; and to capitalise on the growing interest of eco-tourism, we will soon begin building an International Wetland Park adjacent to Mai Po Marshes in the New Territories which is already an internationally recognized wildlife conservation site. And we are continuing to build on our unique cultural blend of East and West. With thousands of years of Chinese culture and history behind us, we are doing more to highlight the tourism potential of our heritage by preserving historical sites and trails, and making them more accessible so people can get a better understanding of our culture and heritage.
Perhaps central to all our efforts to develop Hong Kong are programmes to improve our environment. This is a matter of the utmost importance. Without clean air and clean water we cannot fully achieve our goal of being a world city. Last October I set some ambitious targets for cutting air pollution by 2005, by which time our air quality will compare favourably with that of major cities such as New York and London. And we will be implementing necessary measures with a great sense of urgency.
We are making massive investments in water pollution control - to help make the waterfront and harbour a central part of our leisure and recreational attractions - not just a fine view from a ferry or the Peak. And we aim to make Hong Kong even greener. Already 40 per cent of Hong Kong is designated as country parks and we want to develop linkages between our urban parks and country landscapes to ensure that a strong and vibrant natural heritage enhances the vigour of our city life.
Our aim is not just to keep Hong Kong as a model of economic and social freedom, but to make it a green model for environmental improvement as well. It is a great challenge, with so many people and so much economic activity adding to the potential pressures on the environment every day. But we are rising to that challenge, and our responses will add to the reasons for people around the world to visit and enjoy this city in this new century.
Finally, may I wish the PATA 2000 Annual Conference every success. I notice from the agenda that you have an interesting programme ahead. I am sure all of you will seize the opportunities and participate fully as "The Future is Now".
Thank you.
Photo:The Chief executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, addressing his speech before he, along with other officiating guests, declares opening of the Pacific Asia Travel Association's (PATA) 49th Annual Conference at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Picture shows Mr Tung delivering an opening address at the ceremony.
End/Monday, May 1, 2000
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