HONG KONG—Two distinct candidates vying for Hong Kong’s Legislative Council seat in the Tourism functional constituency faced off Tuesday, presenting sharply divergent visions for the vital sector. Olympic fencing champion Vivian Kong Man-wai, emphasizing a fresh perspective and competitive spirit, debated seasoned travel industry executive Ricky Ma Yat-chiu, who stressed the crucial need for deep operational experience to steer the industry’s post-pandemic recovery.
The forum, hosted by the government in preparation for the upcoming “patriots administering Hong Kong” Legislative Council elections, highlighted key issues confronting the city, from promoting “silver hair” tourism to tackling the territory’s low birth rate and strengthening resilience against extreme weather events.
Experience Versus Innovation in Tourism Strategy
Ma, a director at a travel and technology company with 27 years in the field, positioned himself as the essential insider. He argued that after the disruptions of the 2019 social unrest and the pandemic, the industry requires a capable veteran to guide its transition from recovery to prosperity (“yōu zhì jí xīng”). Ma committed to uniting the sector, mentoring young professionals, and expanding the industry to create more job opportunities.
In contrast, Kong acknowledged her relative lack of direct industry experience but pledged to adopt the “come-from-behind” mentality she honed as an elite athlete to defend and uphold the legacy of Hong Kong’s pioneering travel figures. Her platform centers on integrating culture, sports, and tourism to build an international aviation and travel hub, focusing on projecting a positive global image of Hong Kong. She noted that large-scale sports events, which she championed, attract tourists who typically spend 30% more and stay 1.5 to 2 times longer than average visitors.
Addressing Demographic Challenges and Economic Incentives
The candidates provided specific proposals for leveraging Hong Kong’s aging population, recognizing the city’s status as having the world’s longest life expectancy.
Kong suggested enhancing barrier-free accessibility across the city to facilitate travel for families and seniors. She encouraged retirees to travel more, viewing it as a catalyst for developing new destinations and boosting economic activity. She noted that a flexible lifestyle, enabled by longer lifespans, gives individuals more opportunities to reconsider their life and travel plans.
Ma focused on direct financial assistance, campaigning to secure government funding for elderly travel vouchers. He argued that these vouchers would enable seniors with limited economic means to participate in organized tours, locally or overseas, simultaneously supporting the business expansion of local travel agencies.
On the critical issue of declining birth rates, both candidates expressed understanding of the pressures facing young families. Ma, a father of three, advocated for increasing the current government birth incentive from HK$20,000 to HK$100,000. He stressed that this must be coupled with addressing core concerns like housing space, economic stability, and comprehensive educational resources.
Kong, a member of the younger generation, highlighted her personal desire to have children while recognizing that economic strain, societal anxieties, and doubts about educational systems deter many peers. She urged measures such as extended maternity leave and flexible work policies, led by government and corporations, to provide systematic support for new parents.
Enhancing Extremity Preparedness and Industry Future
The forum concluded with discussions on improving Hong Kong’s preparation and response to severe weather, a growing concern for the aviation and tourism sectors.
Ma proposed securing legislative funding to upgrade the Hong Kong Observatory’s equipment, aiming for more accurate extreme weather forecasting to allow industry teams to deploy contingency plans effectively.
Kong emphasized the need for continuous optimization of existing contingency mechanisms and providing clear guidelines for affected tourists regarding flight, visa, and hotel disruptions to ensure their safe return home. She expressed optimism that quality service even amidst crises would encourage visitors to return to Hong Kong.
As the tourism recovery unfolds, both candidates acknowledged the need for the industry to adapt to the rise of independent travel and online booking platforms. Kong encouraged traditional travel agencies to embrace “deep-dive” tourism and leverage Hong Kong’s hub status, partnering with regional initiatives like multi-destination tours within the Greater Bay Area to remain competitive. Ma pledged to use his professional expertise to systematically promote Hong Kong’s strengths, including its world-class transportation network and unique “half-hour living circle” connecting urban centers to nature.
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