6.11 Tourism in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, as the "Pearl of the Orient", earns much of her revenue from the tourism industry. Tourism has been actively promoted since 1958 by the Hong Kong Tourist Association. In the 1960s, the allure of Hong Kong was much enhanced by her portrayal in Western fiction and movies, for example "The World of Suzie Wong", and American serviceman frequented the territory on leave.

With its industrial boom, Hong Kong was also renowned for its abundant supply of cheap goods which made it in a shopping paradise. In the 1970s, the prosperity of the local tourism industry continued though the number of American serviceman visiting Hong Kong decreased.

From 1961 to 1980, the number of tourists in Hong Kong increased at an annual rate of 13.12% on average, and this brought about an invisible income of around 41 billion Hong Kong dollars.

The success of the tourism industry also encouraged the development of such tertiary industries as retailing, restaurants, entertainment and transport services.

Today, tourism remains a major earner of foreign exchange.

Credit : History Museum of HK.