In the wake of the pandemic, Hong Kong has been actively working to re-energize its tourism sector. Initiatives like the “Night Vibes” campaign and the slogan “tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong” have shown some success, but the city faces a complex landscape. While mainland Chinese tourists increasingly favor budget-friendly options, Western visitors remain hesitant, influenced by prevailing political narratives. However, a new player is emerging on the global tourism stage – Indian tourists. Driven by their rising economic power and a flourishing aviation sector with increased flight offerings, Indian travelers are seeking new destinations. Southeast Asia and the Middle East are particularly popular, with Bangkok and Dubai being top choices.
Thailand and Malaysia have made it easier for Indian tourists to enter, simplifying entry requirements. In contrast, Western countries have become more complex, with obtaining a US visa potentially taking up to a year, and last year, about 20% of Schengen visa applications from Indians were denied. To enhance their appeal to Indian tourists, many countries are tapping into Bollywood’s popularity, engaging popular actors as goodwill ambassadors. For instance, Abu Dhabi enlisted Ranveer Singh last year, while Dubai sought the services of Saif Ali Khan and his daughter Sara Ali Khan.
Hong Kong offers a relatively short flight duration from India, around six hours, with daily departures at competitive prices. Additionally, the city offers visa-free entry to Indian tourists, although they must complete an online pre-arrival registration process, implemented in 2017 to address concerns about overstaying. While Western countries are currently seeing a surge in tourism, they might be apprehensive about actively attracting Indian visitors, fearing potential visa overstay issues. This limited interaction could lead to misunderstandings and heightened tensions, as The Economist suggests. However, over time, distance might foster a deeper appreciation. Therefore, a strategic approach to managing tourist influx seems sensible.
Hong Kong already has a notable South Asian population, and the local Chinese community is generally familiar with this demographic. However, South Asians in the city often face discrimination. Moreover, the current diplomatic strain between China and India has influenced the Indian government’s stance towards Hong Kong. Considering the broader national implications and potential tourism-related issues, it seems prudent for the Hong Kong government to consult with the central government before aggressively pursuing Indian tourists.
The recent letter titled “Food for thought on Hong Kong’s struggling F&B businesses” (September 3) resonated deeply with many, highlighting how the current economic climate impacts all aspects of life in Hong Kong, especially retail and the food and beverage industry. The letter rightly emphasized the need for concrete action, beyond “glib words,” to address the lack of confidence among business owners. It’s clear that the wrong individuals have been allowed to dictate policies, leading to disappointing outcomes despite any presented statistics. Creating value from nothing is impossible. The Hong Kong government needs to understand that simply promoting “culture” and “patriotism” is insufficient. To revive Hong Kong as a vibrant international city, it must attract tourists with spending power through strategic marketing and innovative business collaborations. This requires moving away from a bureaucratic mindset and embracing the abundance of talent and experience within the city to restore excitement, relevance, and international flair.
