Overview of Urban Tourism in Hong Kong
Question:
Discuss about the Performance On Tourist Satisfaction And Behavioural.
This very specific study has provided an in-depth overview on how urban tourism has left major impact for social and economic development of Hong Kong. The history mentioned in Hong Kong tourism Board implies that the industry of tourism is one of the most significant reasons of developing the economic strength of Hong Kong. By satisfying the needs and demands of the visitors tourism industry of Hong Kong is rendering their business development. Urban tourism is the concept where multiple kinds of tourist activities take place by making the city as the center of destination. This very specific study has focused to make an in-depth overview on the history of urban tourism on Hong Kong. By making an in-depth analysis, the study has focused to evaluate various issues that the tourism operators of Hong Kong are facing currently while dealing with the visitors.
An effective research methodology has been conducted in order to collect appropriate data and information about the various issues that Hong Kong tourism association is facing while maintaining the business of urban tourism. However, Hong Kong Tourism Board has identified a major issue within the industry. Due to the development of urban tourism within the city large number of business persons from outsides have established their business process within the city. As a result, the Hong Kong community is facing immense challenges in maintaining their lifestyle smoothly. It is undeniable that the city has developed their economic strength after the emergence of urban tourism as well.
The overarching term urban tourism describes multiple tourist activities where city is the primary destination of attraction. As per the traditional belief, cities were the purpose of journey and establishing industries where large number of employees craves for job opportunities. As a result, the lifestyle of the citizens is becoming very much hectic (Füller and Michel 2014). In quest of decreasing the hectic life schedule, the concept of urban tourism has been rendered within the city. City can offer variety of products and services to the people that are available in the tourist market. People do not have to visit to the tourist spot in order to purchase the products and services of tourism market. In addition, people beyond going their regular professional works can enjoy the tourists’ spots within the city. In the conventional concept, tourism primarily implies different spots, sight scenes, tourist markets and so on.
After the emergence of concept like urban tourism, the travel associations have rendered numerous shopping malls, religious places, entertainment venues within the city. As a result, tourists from multinational geographic locations show their level of interest in visiting the places. Inhabitants do not have to go far from the city for spending their leisure hours (Miller, Merrilees and Coghlan 2015). However, this very specific study has focused to analyze the importance of rendering urban tourism within the city in order to bring social and economic development. As per the initiatives taken by Hong Kong Tourism Board, it is observed that Hong Kong always strives for developing the city in the stature of international tourism center. Here, people belonging to various geographical backgrounds and attitudes can enjoy the scenic beauty (AlSayyad 2013). The operators are flexible in communicating with various visitors.
Challenges Faced by Hong Kong Tourism Association
The paper “Urban Tourism Research Methodology, A Case Study of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao area” has portrayed a vast vista about the impact of urban tourism on the overall development of economy as well as society. By highlighting the aspects of urban tourism on Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao as an example, the study aims to present a new spatial system of rendering urban tourism. The study points out various orientation of urban tourism. The author in this very specific study has pointed out that the development of post industrialization has rendered a major revolution on the overall business scenario. By utilizing the scenic beauty of Hong Kong, the government has decided to establish urban tourism within the city (Kim, Uysal and Sirgy 2013). As per the point of view of author, Europe is the heart of urban tourism. The author in this specific paper has mentioned that Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are situated in The Broad Zhujiang River. Visitors can spend their leisure in rivers’ bank. In addition, the regular inhabitants in order to lead their leisure hour in their holidays do not have to be dependent on going outstation. However, this very specific study evaluates on how urban tourism leaves a major impact on the economic and socio-cultural development of a region.
Geographic location is one of the most important reasons of developing a tourism industry in a specific city (Rogerson and Rogerson 2014). As per the geographic location, Hong Kong is constituted with River Delta. The environment is very much suitable for roaming around for the visitors. As a result, large number of persons can find their source of income by depending on the tourism industry. Effective methodological tools have been used in this specific study for evaluating the research issue. People belonging to various geographical boundaries and attitudes can develop their level of income status by keeping tourist destination as their one of the most effective ways of income source. After the emerging concept of urban tourism cities are becoming the combination of destination and origin. Cities are not only the hubs of political, social and cultural centers but also regional tourism spots. As a result, people can get relief beyond going the regular monotonous life (Wu et al. 2014). Citizens do not have to waste their long holidays for spending their leisure hours. They can render refreshment and relaxation by staying on the city as well. The concept of urban tourism has brought an economic growth on the city that enables to enhance the livelihood of people.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is considered as the government body to promote as well as market the travel destination of the country to the world. They also aim to improve the experience of the visitors at once they visit the country. It was founded in the year 2001 and it was a replacement for the board- Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA),that was established in the year 1957 (Gov.hk 2018). The Board has been adopting the primary mission of maximizing the social as well as economic contribution which has been affecting the Hong Kong community (Gov.hk 2018). The Board has involved itself in the marketing as well as promotion of the country worldwide. It is also responsible for improvement of the range as well as quality of the visitors in the country (Gov.hk 2018). It also plans to improve the visitor’s experience in the country after their arrival.
Emergence of Urban Tourism
Throughout the history of HKTA, the Board believes that the promotion of the tourism is not merely concerned with the new facilities construction. For example, the Hong Kong Government is concerned about the traditional relics and assets of the country (Gov.hk 2018). This can be witnessed by the fact that the preservation as well as development of the former “Marine Police Headquarters” in the Tsim Sha Tsuito a fully fledged tourism facility, which has been undertaken by the private sector (Armstrong 2015). HKTB has made different walking routes so that the visitors are able to enjoy the rich fascinating culture of the country. HKTB also works in close collaboration with the trade so that the Chinese customs as well as culture can be promoted. It also gauges the various industry trends as well as shares the information with the different travel partners. Since the years of information, the Board has focused on the adoption of the integrated approach that combines consumer promotions, digital marketing and PR activities.
The Board has over 15 branch offices and they are situated in over 5 representative offices all over the world. HKTB has Individual Visit Scheme (IVS), which is one of the most famous liberalization measures on tourism. This has led to an increase in the Mainland visitors, who usually enter the country through the border land. There has been continuous growth of the overall tourists with an average of 6.3percent growth per year (Pernia and Pernia 2015).The visitors coming to Hong Kong have to pass through several control points. There are overall 14 immigration control points in the country (Yu et al. 2014). There has been several implementation of IT by the Board so that there is less time required for immigration clearance. This is the reason for launching of the e-Channel service in which the immigration process of the Mainland Chinese visitors is being carried out (Tourism.gov.hk 2018).
The Government of Hong Kong always strives to develop the city asan international exhibition, convention and tourism center. HKTB wishes to enhance the MICE status of Hong Kong (“Meetings, Incentive Travels, Conventions and Exhibitions”) by strengthening the support structure to various events. This has led HKTB to set up dedicated office named MEHK (Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong) in 2008 (Tourism.gov.hk 2018). HKTB has also engaged itself in the promotion of connoisseurs and gourmets in Asia’s gourmet and food center. It has also engaged in the cultural experience program by focusing on the guided tour of Nan Lian Garden. It has also started the “Ding Dong Hong Kong Tram Guide” that has highlighted the local tourist attractions of Hong Kong (Vu et al. 2015). This continues to work with the local customs and festivals so that local culture is being highlighted. The HKTB engages in the promotion of the arts as well as cultural activities.
The currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) and there are three commercial banks in Hong Kong namely Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Bank of China and Standard Chartered Bank (Tourism.gov.hk 2018). Hong Kong is usually characterized by a sub-tropical climate along with some distinct seasons (Tourism.gov.hk 2018). The majority of the people in the country speak Cantonese and the people also speak the other Chinese dialects. English is commonly used in the country and some population is also aware of the European and Asian languages.
Importance of Rendering Urban Tourism for Social and Economic Development
There are several themed attractions in Hong Kong such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Hong Kong Wetland Park, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, Ocean Park Hong Hong and others (Shoval and McKercher 2017). Hong Disneyland is one of the most famous attractions in which there is magical journey of the seven lands. One of the most famous eco-tourism parks is the Hong Kong Wetland that has impressive range of wildlife, butterflies, birds, fish, amphibians and others.
There are various kinds of accommodation in Hong Kong namely hotel, guesthouses, youth hostels and others (Chan, Hsu and Baum 2015). There are many choices of hotels in Hong Kong namely international chains as well as local brands. There are several transportation modes for the city such as Mass Transit Railways, Buses, Minbuses, Ferries, Taxis and others. There is the system of octopus cards which can be used for multiple transportation means. The Hong Kong residents also have several options for shopping and are often regarded as the shopper’s paradise. There are major shopping districts such as Central and Western and Admirality, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok. South China offers similar business practices and is famous for the open-air markets (Chan, Hsu and Baum 2015). Most of the items are tax-free and it is a favorite destination for luxury watches, cosmetics, electronics, big fashion brands and others. The Quality Tourism Services (QTS) helps the travelers to shop with greater degree of confidence and there are many stores under the service.
As per Hong Kong tourism Board work plan of 2017-2018, HKTB has taken major initiatives by promoting the travel destinations Worldwide. As per the attraction of Hong Kong the statutory body has decided to analysis stakeholder behavior based on which the local tourism industry can make their strategy and plans for developing the holiday attractions (Brida, Meleddu and Pulina 2012). While making an effective stakeholder analysis HKTB has focused on three major factors primarily. Identification of the stakeholders is one of the most effective ways based on which strategy formation is highly dependent. After identifying the stakeholders, the authority has planned to mould the tourism service as per their needs and demands. If the stakeholders tend to show their level of dissatisfaction, the authority has planned to make an in-depth analysis in order to know their needs and desires.
HKTB has decided to establish travel agencies, airline facilities, hotels, retailers, foods and beverages to every holiday destination. As a result, the people coming from other region do not have to face challenges in visiting the places. The primary attractions based on which Hong Kong is possessed with include Hong Kong Disneyland, Hong Kong Wetland Park, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, Noah’s Ark Hong Kong and so many. With the gradual progress of global economic growth as well as the recovery of US economy, HKTB has planned to develop their tourism spots in order to attract the attention of international customers (Ben-Dalia, Collins-Kreiner and Churchman 2013). At the time of global economic turmoil, the authority did not get enough scope in rendering an improvement on the destinations. As a result, international consumers tend to show their reluctant attitude in visiting to the destinations of Hong-Kong. In order to overcome this situation, HKTB in their plan of 2017-2018 has decided to collect sufficient data regarding the needs and demands of the stakeholders. Based on their demands and plans, the Hong Kong authority has decided to make an in-depth plan and analysis on how to develop the tourist spots.
Impact of Urban Tourism on the Economy and Society
Rendering an improvement on the travel and tourism operators is one of the most significant plans for HKTB. People belonging to various cultural as well as psychological backgrounds and attitudes may have linguistic barrier (Kudryavtsev, Krasny and Stedman 2012). While visiting to the place, the travelers may have to face innumerable challenges in communicating with the travel operators. In this kind of situation, the service users may show their negative attitude in visiting to the holiday destinations. However, in order to overcome this kind of situation, HKTB has planned to provide professional training and development session on the travel operators so that they can deal with the visitors of various cultural backgrounds and attitudes. After the recovery of US economy, the business authority has decided to develop the infrastructure of tourism spots (Buckley 2012). As a result, HKTB has decided to enhance their promotional campaign in various diversified platforms for rendering the range of target group. Enhancing the target market is one of the most effective ways of strengthening the economic growth.
Hong-Kong is well known for its multi-cultural metropolitan city endowed with the people of various cultural backgrounds and attitudes. Before developing various tourism spots HKTB has to focus on drawing the attention of various cultural people. Hong Kong Disneyland is primarily famous for attracting the attention of kids especially at the time of its anniversary. Children belonging to different geographical backgrounds and attitudes cannot deny in visiting to this World’s fantasy (Caragliu and Del Bo 2012). Hong Kong Wetland park on the other hand, is one of the most recognizable eco-tourism parks surrounded with wildlife including birds, amphibians, fish animals and so many. People of different psychological backgrounds and attitudes can easily enjoy this place. The primary objective of HKTB is to amalgamate the people of various geographical backgrounds and attitudes in order to increase the rate of target market.
As a result, they do not have to face any kind of difficulties in enhancing the economic strength of government (Smith et al. 2012). In addition, Hong Kong is surrounded with Delta River. As per the climate and weather analysis, tourists who tend to visit this place for spending their leisure do not have to face difficulties in enjoying the destinations of Hong Kong. However, this very specific study has focused to make an in-depth analysis weather Hong Kong travel operators have to face difficulties in dealing with the visitors effectively. As large number of visitors from multi-national countries tends to show their interest in visiting to the various places of Hong Kong it can be stated that HKTB is possessed with enough potentials for tourist attractions.
In addition, Hong Kong is possessed with various shopping centers including Central & Western and Admiralty, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, Ladies’ Market, Mong Kok and so many. Central and Admiralty is primarily famous for luxury goods and spacious centers (Wang and Chen 2015). People belonging to various geographical backgrounds and attitudes can easily purchase the products of Central and Admiralty due to its product and service variety (Pegg, Patterson and Gariddo 2012). As a result, the international customers who visit to the spots can easily purchase the products due to its diversification. However, this very specific study has focused to make an in-depth overview on how Hong Kong has the potential for tourism attraction. People belonging to various geographical backgrounds and attitudes after visiting to the various places of Hong Kong city can use the services of malls. As a result, the business experts are able to strengthen their economic strength (Steel 2013). The number of international customers has been increased automatically. It cannot be denied that Hong Kong city has enough potential for shopping attractions.
The Role of Hong Kong Tourism Board
This section of the research paper will communicate the process undertaken for the data collection and analysis. The approach taken for the completion of the research is the deductive approach instead of the inductive approach as this paper aims to verify the existing theories (Grodach and Silver 2012). While conducting an effective research, the study has focused to make an effective survey by involving 15 travelers of Hong Kong and 17 consumers of shopping malls. Primary research method is competent enough in collecting immediate data and information from various reliable resources. In addition, primary source of data collection method can directly involve the respondents (Lundqvist et al. 2013). As a result, the entire research process is not very much delayed.
Data collection process is the systematic ways of gathering appropriate information from various reliable resources (Yang, Liu and Qi 2014). Data collection technique is constituted with two major ways including primary source of data collection technique and secondary source of data collection technique. In this very specific study, primary data collection technique has been used. The process undertaken to acquire data is the primary data collection (Dumitru 2012). Moreover, the method selected is the quantitative data collection method for which two set of questionnaires are used. One of the questionnaires will be provided to the respondents from the shopping mall. These questions will be extracting the perspectives of the international customers and their experience. The second set of questionnaire will be used for collecting the data from the local residents of Hong Kong city on the benefits they receive from the urban tourism introduced. Economic, social and cultural aspects are studied and explored to identify the benefits the society is receiving from the implementation.
Data analysis is systematic way of evaluating appropriate data and information from various resources. In this very specific study primary source of data collection technique has been used for analyzing necessary data and information. By conducting an effective survey with 17 consumers of various shopping malls of Hong Kong an effective feedback has been collected. In addition, 15 regional tourists have been selected for receiving their response about the tourist spots of Hong Kong. While making an effective data analysis the study has focused to make an in-depth statistical analysis by using graphical representation (Eshliki and Kaboudi 2012). The study has made an effective analysis by evaluating the mean median mode of every questionnaire. As a result, the rate of response from the participants has been clearly categorized. The primary purpose of making an in-depth data analysis method is to find out the result of respondents (Ryan and Gu 2013). Hong Kong urban tourism is one of the most significant issues based on which large number of researcher and practitioners have showed their level of interest in conducting an effective research and analyzing data.
Conclusion:
The entire study has focused to make in-depth evaluation about the importance of urban tourism in enhancing the economic and socio-cultural status of a city. Hong Kong is primarily famous for one of the most significant places occupying a predominant place in the realm of tourism industry. After the emergence of urban tourism, Hong Kong has faced immense economic growth. At the same time, Hong Kong community has faced several issues due to the entrance of outside businesspersons. This very specific study has identified an effective research issue that includes impact of urban tourism on the overall economic growth of the city like Hong Kong. In order to collect appropriate data and information the study has focused to conduct primary data analysis procedure by involving 15 consumers and 17 local residence of Hong Kong.
History of Hong Kong Tourism Association
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