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The following is the speech (English part) by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the opening ceremony of the "Tourism Hong Kong" Exhibition at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre today (August 24) :
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me extend a very warm welcome to you for joining the opening ceremony for the "Tourism Hong Kong" Exhibition. In the first six months of this year, we have seen a growth of tourist arrival by 7.5%. This is against a difficult external environment and an economic slowdown in many of our main markets. This is a strong testimony to Hong Kong's position as one of the most favourite tourist destinations in the world.
The Disney Theme Park project is making good progress. We all look forward to welcoming Mickey and Minnie in 2005. And we are doing a lot more to make sure you and every visitor will have a memorable and enjoyable stay in Hong Kong. The exhibition today showcases the many beautiful tourist attractions in Hong Kong and the major investments we are going to make to promote the Hong Kong tourism industry. I would highlight five of our major tourism developments -
(a) First, we will develop Yam O on Lantau into a new tourism node. This together with the Hong Kong Disneyland, Tung Chung Cable Car, the Big Buddha and Tai O Village will make Lantau Island a truly tourism island.
(b) Second, we will leverage on the countryside and peaceful harbour in Sai Kung and encourage the development of water sports and world class resorts.
(c) Third, we will create a culture belt stretching from the new arts, culture and entertainment area on the West Kowloon Reclamation, to the existing museums and performing venues in Tsim Sha Tsui, the former Marine Police Headquarters and the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.
(d) Fourth, we will build a heritage, entertainment and dining area in Central, radiating from the site of the existing Central Police Station covering Government House, St John's Cathedral, Hollywood Road and Lan Kwai Fong.
(e) Fifth, we will support the Ocean Park on its strategic development plan, integrating it into the new Aberdeen Harbour tourism node.
Government investment in these and other ongoing projects in the next 5 years will amount to over $18 billion.
Tourism is one of the key economic drivers of Hong Kong. The significant investments we are going to make in the next few years will not only add more attractive sightseeing points for visitors. It will also create many new jobs for the local community and contribute towards the growth of our economy. You are not only Hong Kong's best friends. You are also our best ambassadors to the world. I hope you will enjoy the exhibition today, and I look forward to you sharing your experience and comments with us to make Hong Kong the best tourist destination in Asia.
Thank you.
End/ Friday, August 24, 2001
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