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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, today (October 10) met with representatives from the tourism and hotel sectors to gain a better understanding of the impacts of the "Occupy Central" movement on Hong Kong's tourism industry.
The representatives said at the meeting that "Occupy Central" had already affected the business of hotels and tourist attractions in individual districts. They said they are worried that if the situation continues, it would affect the livelihood of frontline employees of the tourism industry, and reduce the desire of visitors (including business and leisure travellers) to visit Hong Kong. This would inevitably deal a blow to the future development of the tourism industry in Hong Kong, they said.
Mr So said he fully understood the concerns of the tourism trade. "Hong Kong has always been a premier tourist destination in Asia and is internationally famous for its hospitality. Tourism is one of our pillar industries. I hope that we would all treasure our economic achievements which do not come easily, and refrain from causing negative impacts on the tourism industry."
Mr So said he would continue to keep in close contact with the tourism sector to understand their situation and needs with a view to braving the challenges together.
Ends/Friday, October 10, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:58
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