Policy Address 2024: John Lee plans to promote panda tourism

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the government will actively boost panda tourism to revive the economy. A lawmaker advised adding panda-related elements to mega-events and cooperating with travel agencies to attract tourists. 

While Lee didn’t mention the details, the “panda economy” is already booming since the arrival of two giant pandas to Hong Kong’s Ocean Park in September. 

Southern District, where Ocean Park and the new pandas are located, has been actively organizing various activities to increase the number of tourists. 

“We have organized some panda-themed bus parades. Some tourists came specifically to take photos with these buses,” said Lam Wing-yan, the district councillor of Southern District.

Lam said that because Sichuan is the hometown of pandas, many people may not immediately associate pandas with Hong Kong. 

“We can combine Ocean Park with other tourist attractions in Southern District to form a tourist route, such as dining at the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter or taking a stroll along the seaside promenade,” Lam said. 

Chow Man-kong, 43, a lawmaker and economist, suggested developing tourism products with pandas and making pandas the theme and selling point of shopping malls.

“For example, placing panda decorations in the atrium of the shopping mall can serve as a popular photo spot for residents and tourists,” he said. “It can also be developed as a panda souvenir shop, panda-themed restaurants and panda theatres to attract tourists and create a panda economy.”

Chow also advised adding panda-related elements to mega-events. 

“For example, the opening ceremony of Kai Tak Sports Park next year can include a panda-themed drone show and mascot design,” said Chow.

He added that the government can cooperate with local and foreign travel agencies to launch panda tourism and invite KOLs to visit the pandas to gain more popularity.

The government has also collaborated with local artists to develop the panda economy. 

Janet Cheung, 35, a local panda cartoonist, cooperated with the Hong Kong Tourism Board during Hong Kong Cyclothon in the West Kowloon Cultural District this month. 

Her cultural and creative panda character, Mr. Q Panda, can be seen in multiple photo booths. Creative merchandise, such as panda balloons and stickers, were distributed. Participants could also do a live painting on site.

“Hong Kong’s panda merchandise can feature panda characters set against iconic local scenery. These cute pandas can guide visitors on a tour of the city’s attractions,” said Cheung.

Hong Kong currently has six pandas. Two pandas, named An An and Ke Ke, arrived in Hong Kong on Sept. 26 and are still in quarantine. They are the third pair of pandas gifted by mainland China to Hong Kong. 

The second pair of pandas, Ying Ying and Le Le, arrived in 2007. Ying Ying gave birth to twin pandas earlier this year. 

“After the panda’s condition stabilizes, we will consider installing CCTV and broadcasting live on social media 24 hours a day to attract more attention,” said Howard Chuk, head of the park’s Zoological Operations and Conservation, in a press conference on Monday.