Tourism tip from senior official

HONG Kong’s tourism industry should focus on attracting the mainland’s burgeoning middle class of more than 300 million, according to a state
councillor.

The head of Hong Kong deputies to the National People’s Congress (全國人民代表大會), Maria Tam Wai-chu (譚惠珠), said the suggestion came from Yang Jiechi (楊潔篪), a deputy leader of the Central Coordination Group for Hong Kong and Macau Affairs (中央港澳工作協調小組).

It was the first time a state councillor has attended a meeting of Hong Kong deputies.

Tam quoted Yang as suggesting that Hong Kong should pay greater attention to attracting the growing middle class in the mainland.

“The market is really large ... Hong Kong tourism should raise its service quality to provide a high-value experience,” Tam quoted Yang as saying.

Yang also spoke of his admiration for Victoria Harbour, describing it as the most beautiful harbour in the world.

Willy Lam Wo-lap (林和立), adjunct professor at the Chinese University’s Centre for China Studies (中文大學中國研究中心), said Yang’s attendance means the central government considers recent issues including the Mong Kok (旺角) riot and the Umbrella movement as matters of national security.

“The central government is looking at Hong Kong with regard to national security,” Lam said.

Before the meeting, Yang told reporters the prosperity of the SAR remains “important”.

Yang said: “… I am always willing to exchange opinions on some issues with all of you, especially in connection with the working report of Premier Li Keqiang (李克強). I attach great concern to Hong Kong’s prosperity, stability and development.”

(This article is published on The Student Standard on 10 March 2016)

Zhang Dejiang – chairman of Standing Committee of National People’s Congress
http://goo.gl/X9Qs3

Yang Jiechi – State Councillor
http://goo.gl/CSxVLy