Dear Editor
I am writing to express my opinion about boosting Hong Kong tourism. Recently, some people voice their views that hosting major sports events is a good way to boost Hong Kong tourism. I agree with them for the following reasons.
First, Hong Kong has to diversify its attractions in order to maintain a share or even increase its share in the tourist industry amid the keen competition with other cities in the Asia-Pacific region. The major competitors of Hong Kong in tourism include Taiwan, Japan, Singapore and so on. They are all modern cities with well-established facilities and possess their local characteristics. Although Hong Kong has long been famed for its food culture and being the confluence of the Eastern and Western culture, it can hardly survive in such a highly-competitive environment if it does not make changes. Hong Kong has well-developed infrastructure. We have the Hong Kong Stadium and a number of playgrounds and sports grounds across the territory. We can utilize these sports facilities by hosting major sports events, which can help to attract more tourists to visit Hong Kong.
Second, the tourism industry has flourished every time when Hong Kong hosts major sports events such as the East Asian Games held last year. I think there is no barrier when it comes to sports. People around the world are immersed in sports fever when there are major sports events such as the World Cup and the Olympic Games. They are dying to scramble for a seat for the competition no matter who the host country is. From the above example, we can see the potential profit value in sports. If Hong Kong could hold major sports events frequently, it can ensure a steady supply of visitors as fans from around the world would come for watching different races. They will probably stay in Hong Kong to go sight-seeing after watching competitions, and this can help to boost Hong Kong’s retail business and economic development.
Third, if Hong Kong can successfully be developed into an international sports hub, its international standard will be raised as people would think that it is their pleasure to compete in this well-known ‘playground’. More and more famous sports events will take place in Hong Kong as a result. More visitors will come as well and it can also boost local sports.
In the end, Hong Kong is a modern city and it has the strength to hold major sports events. I hope the Government and Hong Kong people would see our advantages in this field and make use of it.