In 2000, Hong Kong was the world's 14th most popular tourist destination and the only city in the list of Top 15 destinations published by the World Tourism Organisation.
Hong Kong was named Asia-Pacific's leading destination, and Hong Kong International Airport was voted Asia-Pacific's leading airport, by travel agents worldwide. - 8th World Travel Awards
Hong Kong was the 'Hottest Selling Destination - Asia/Pacific' and among the top three 'Sexiest Romance/Honeymoon Destinations - Asia Pacific'. – Write-in survey of travel agents, Recommend Magazine, September 2000
Hong Kong welcomed a record 13.06 million visitors in 2000 - an increase of 15.3% over 1999. This made Hong Kong Asia's single-most popular tourist destination. Tourism spending jumped by 9.4% over 1999 to HK$61.5 billion (US$7.9 billion), or about 5% of Hong Kong's GDP in 2000.
Visitor arrivals for the first quarter of 2001 rose by 7.8% year-on-year to 3.2 million, in line with the forecast growth of 7.8% for the year as a whole.
On April 1, 2001 the Hong Kong Tourist Association was reconstituted as the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) to provide the organisation with a more structured and focused approach to marketing and promoting Hong Kong worldwide as well as enhance visitor experiences.
The HKTB is no longer an association of members but a body that serves Hong Kong's entire tourism industry and the community.
Also on April 1, the Board launched a new, two-year campaign under the banner 'City of Life: Hong Kong is it!' in co-operation with the HKSAR Government and the 18 District Councils. The campaign aims to enhance Hong Kong's reputation as one of the world's most popular tourist destinations and to fortify Hong Kong's image and reputation as a welcoming international city where East meets West as well as highlight local district attractions.
On the tourism infrastructure front, work has started on the reclamation of a 126-hectare site for Hong Kong Disneyland at Penny's Bay on Lantau Island. Phase 1 of the project will include a Disney theme park, Disney themed hotels and a retail, dining and entertainment complex and is due to open in 2005.
Tenders have been called for the finance, design, construction and operation of a scenic cable car system linking Tung Chung (and Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok) and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island near the world's largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha.
Work also started on developing an International Wetland Park at Inner Deep Bay/Mai Po in the far northwest of Hong Kong. This HK$500 million (US$64.1 million) project aims to capitalise on Hong Kong's natural richness and the internationally-recognised wildlife conservation area at Mai Po Marshes. Phase I of the park, with an exhibition pavilion, opened in December 2000. It is due for completion in 2004.
To underpin these infrastructure projects, the Hong Kong 'product' is constantly reviewed to capitalise on the latest trends. Green tourism, heritage and culture, and adventure tours are just some of the segments now being marketed internationally and locally to appeal to a wider range of visitors.
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