Northstar

8 | www.travelweekly-asia.com DESTINATION: HONG KONG BRINGING BACK THE LOVE By Catharine Nicol Businesses relying on tourism trade are hurting across the SAR, most notably the retail sector where round- the-block queues to get into luxury brand showrooms along Nathan Road are no longer the norm. The downturn in mainland visitors has encouraged a strategy shift by the government and the Hong Kong Tourism Board, both of whom are realigning policies to embrace gourmet travel and historical culture, together with a renewed focus on major events. Other policies put into place by the government and tourism industry include waving licence Political upheaval, the decline of Mainland Chinese visitors, and shopping scams are some of the recent incidents that have rattled Hong Kong's tourism world. But there's hope that a mixture of new and old attractions will revive the destination. Credit: OSTILL/iStock fees for some travel agents, hotels and guesthouses, restaurants and operators. Patrick Sin, Hotel Icon director of sales, marketing and revenue management, said that while Mainland Chinese guest numbers may be down, Korean and Japanese visitors numbers at the hotel are rising. And at Lightfoot Travel, Nikki Pang, head of communications, sees a number of new boutiques opening up Hong Kong to travellers who are looking for a design-led but affordable home away from home. "There are more and more mid- range hotels as well as boutique hotels popping up, with everything from The Pottinger, which is upscale, to more reasonable options in hubs like Causeway Bay and Sheung Wan," she said. Pang believes that while the established sites are still pulling in tourists, the city's more charming districts are also attractive. "I think people still go to the Big Buddha on Lantau, the night market and ladies market in Mong Kok, Stanley Market, the Star Ferry and the Peak Tram. "They will also target PMQ (the old Police Married Quarters), which is becoming more and more popular, Cat Street Market in Sheung Wan, and even hiking the Dragon's Back to Shek O. "One of the things I love about Hong Kong is its mix of old and new. In Central, in one of most modern cities in world, walk just three blocks towards Sheung Wan and you'll find yourself in the middle of old markets and seafood stalls," she shared. However, Hotel Icon's Sin believes more could be on offer. "Hong Kong should invent some new tourist products for the town. There has been no major new tourism attraction created in recent years. Tourists need some new excitement to give them a reason to come back to Hong Kong," he suggested. PMQ SHOWCASES EMERGING TALENT While premium and luxury retail is still suffering, there are many niches in the city offering a different kind of shopping experience. Centred on some of the up-and-coming or more recently established districts, they are offering a mix of retail, F&B and cultural charm. "I think Hong Kong is becoming a more walkable city," said Lightfoot Travel's Nikki Pang, "with neighbourhoods popping up that are great for strolling and shopping, for example Soho, Poho, Sai Ying Pun and Sheung Wan." She also mentioned PMQ, the old Police Married Quarters, which has become a popular hub for nurturing local designers and start- up brands in bijou units or pop up store spaces. While larger retail companies like GOD, Vivienne Tam and Chocolate Rain have been open since the launch of PMQ more than two years ago, it is the emerging artists and entrepreneurs who attract the crowds, and use PMQ as a valuable showcase in which they can test the market and gain valuable exposure. "The benefit is not only to the designer or artist and their brand, but also to the visitors," pointed out Victor Tsang, PMQ executive director. "We can always offer them something new to explore, making PMQ even more exciting." Elgin Street at Soho. LET THE BATTLE COMMENCE Chewbacca leans in for a wefie with park goers at Star Wars: Tomorrowland. 'Star Wars: Tomorrowland Takeover' has arrived at Hong Kong Disneyland, showcasing first-of-its-kind experiences in Asia. These include Hyperspace Mountain, Star Wars: Command Post and the upcoming Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. Samuel Lau, executive vice president and managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, said 'Star Wars: Tomorrowland Takeover' will promote Hong Kong "as a world- class tourist destination". Until September 30, guests staying at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or Disney's Hollywood Hotel will be offered Star Wars packages. "Hong Kong Disneyland continuously develops new attractions and entertainment offerings, leveraging Disney's unique brand 'Jedis'-in-training at Hong Kong Disneyland's Star Wars: Tomorrowland. magic to keep the theme park experience fresh and exciting for guests from around the world," said James Tung, director of travel trade sales at HKDL. PMQ. Credit: Albert Poon

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