29 September 2005, Hong Kong - Press Release
Business Environment Council launched Hong Kong’s Great Outdoors Guide-Map - The first-ever most comprehensive bilingual eco-tourism guide-map
The Business Environment Council (BEC) and Coalition on Sustainable Tourism today launched Hong Kong's Great Outdoors Guide-Map, the first-ever most comprehensive bilingual eco-tourism guide-map that introduces best 55 nature and cultural destinations, as well as six popular itineraries with photos, map, transportation guide and travel tips.
In the welcoming speech, Ms Katy Lam, Deputy Chair of BEC, remarked that, "Hong Kong is far more than simply a metropolis. Some 40 percent of the land area is designated as country park; there are rugged hills and cliffs, spectacular coastline, mangrove-fringed wetlands, and old villages and temples where you can simply relax and enjoy your holiday. However, not many of us in Hong Kong, or our visitors, have ventured out to explore these numerous hidden treasures. While the concept of eco-tourism, heritage tourism and sustainable tourism are still at an early stage of development, it is clearly a growing trend with strong community, business and visitor interest."
"According to findings by the Ecotourism International Society in 2000, while global tourism has been growing at an annual rate of 4%, nature travel is increasing at an annual rate between 10% and 30%. We have similar findings in Hong Kong. A Hong Kong Tourism Board survey in 2002 found 24% of visitors expressed an interest in 'green tourism. I therefore strongly believe that sustainable tourism will be one of the key growth areas for Hong Kong's tourist industry," Lam added.
The officiating guest of the launching ceremony, Ms Maisie Cheng, Deputy Commissioner for Tourism said, "From the tourism perspective, our beautiful countryside is an important part of Hong Kong’s diverse attractions. The ecological richness and diversity of our natural areas is often quite unexpected to many visitors. This provides a delightful contrast to our cosmopolitan lifestyle and city attractions. There are hence substantial long-term potentials and benefits to capitalise on green tourism as we continue to diversify our tourist attractions."
"We strive our best to ensure that development of green tourism in Hong Kong is based on sustainability and ecological conservation principles. On the one hand, we make sensible use of existing resources for promotion. On the other, we also suitably invest in new attractions and explore new opportunities for development by tapping Hong Kong's strengths and advantages," Cheng continued.
"To encourage eco-tourism in Hong Kong, the Guide-Map has highlighted 4 main aspects of nature and cultural destinations: Hong Kong's wild sides, heritage, rural communities, as well as great destination for hiking. With the support from Dr Martin Williams in providing the content, initial design and photos, this Guide-Map has facilitated the accessibility and attraction of eco-tourism destinations to both tourist and local people," Mr. Paul Zimmerman, Acting Chairman of the Coalition on Sustainable Development said.
This Guide-Map will be available free of charge at the Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Information & Services Centres, KCR customer service centres (Hung Hom, Sha Tin, Tai Po Market and Sheung Shui KCR East Rail stations, Siu Hong, Tin Shui Wai, Kam Sheung Road and Tsuen Wan KCR West Rail stations), KMB customer service centres (Shatin and Tsim Sha Tsui), as well as an insert in Hong Kong Discovery Magazine Vol. 30.
For further information regarding the Guide-Map, please visit: www.hkoutdoors.com.
About the Business Environment Council (www.bec.org.hk)
The Business Environment Council (BEC) is a leading independent cross-sector business association in Hong Kong advocating sustainable development. Its aim is to balance economic, social and environmental interests whilst empowering competitiveness. BEC is a Regional Network Partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
Established in 1989, BEC has expanded to a network of more than 10,000 companies, offered more than 700 environmental programs, benefited more than 70,000 professionals, assessed more than 100 building projects exceeding 60 million sq ft, and organized the Hong Kong Awards for Industries in Environmental performance for 14 years, to name a few.
About the Coalition on Sustainable Tourism
The Coalition on Sustainable Tourism, previously known as Sustainable Tourism Task Force (STTF), is an enthusiastic coalition of tourism industry, NGO, academic and government representatives. Serving as a lively platform for exchange of views and a springboard for engagement in projects and programs for tourism that protect Hong Kong’s natural and cultural heritage, whilst benefiting local communities. BEC serves as its Secretariat. For further information, please contact Ms Jessica Yau at 2784 3931.
Press contact
Ms Wendy Lam, Senior Communications Officer, T. (852) 2784 3922