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The Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip, spoke to the press today (February 10) after officiating at the opening ceremony of the 10th Asian International Exhibition of Hospitality Equipment, Supplies & Technology, Food & Drink (English only):
Reporter: How serious will the bird flu outbreak affect the tourism industry and the economy in general?
Stephen Ip: I think the impact of the bird flu on the tourism industry so far has been minimal. You can see that we still have a large number of visitors from all over the world coming to Hong Kong. But to the long-haul visitors, it will affect their decision a bit. But in terms of hotel occupancy rate, I think, Mark [Lettenbichler], we are still doing very well, right? We are talking about over 80% hotel occupancy rates; airlines are doing very well; our travel agents are doing well. So I think the impact so far has been minimal.
Reporter: But in the long term?
Stephen Ip: In the long term, it depends on whether the bird flu is under control or not because obviously when long-haul visitors plan their visits for example to this part of the world, I suppose they will consider whether there is bird flu in Asia or not. So to a certain extent, it might affect their decision. But as far as Hong Kong is concerned, the effect has been minimal.
Ends/Tuesday, February 10, 2004
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