An In-depth Analysis of Urban Tourism and its Impact in Hong Kong

This report provides an in-depth analysis of urban tourism in Hong Kong, exploring its historical context, definition, and impact on the city's social and economic development. It examines the role of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and its initiatives in promoting tourism, including the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) and the development of tourist attractions. The report delves into current issues faced by tourism operators, such as the impact of urban tourism on the local community and the challenges of balancing economic growth with the preservation of local culture. It also highlights the research methodology employed, including data collection and analysis, to evaluate the potentials for Hong Kong's shopping and tourist attractions. The report concludes with an overview of the key findings and implications of urban tourism in Hong Kong, offering insights into the future of tourism in the city.

Running head: URBAN TOURISM
Urban Tourism
Name of Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1URBAN TOURISM
Table of Contents
Introduction:....................................................................................................................................2
1. Defining Urban Tourism..............................................................................................................3
a. Definition and nature of Urban Tourism:....................................................................................3
b. Previous Urban Tourism research topics.....................................................................................4
2. Information about Hong Kong.....................................................................................................5
a. Hong Kong history (HKTB)........................................................................................................5
B. Hong Kong facts (HKTB)...........................................................................................................6
a. Tourism environment in Hong Kong...........................................................................................7
3. Current issues of Hong Kong shopping/tourist attraction..........................................................8
Development of Hong Kong shopping/tourist attractions...............................................................8
b. Potentials for Hong Kong shopping/tourist attractions.............................................................10
4. Research Methodology..............................................................................................................12
a. Research Methodology..............................................................................................................12
b. Data Collection..........................................................................................................................14
C. Data analysis.............................................................................................................................14
Conclusion:....................................................................................................................................15
Reference List:...............................................................................................................................17

2URBAN TOURISM
Executive Summary
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. 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.

3URBAN TOURISM
Introduction:
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.

4URBAN TOURISM
1. Defining Urban Tourism
a. Definition and nature of Urban Tourism:
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.

5URBAN TOURISM
b. Previous Urban Tourism research topics
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

6URBAN TOURISM
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.
2. Information about Hong Kong
a. Hong Kong history (HKTB)
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.
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

7URBAN TOURISM
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.
B. Hong Kong facts (HKTB)
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

8URBAN TOURISM
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.
a. Tourism environment in Hong Kong
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

9URBAN TOURISM
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.
3. Current issues of Hong Kong shopping/tourist attraction
Development of Hong Kong shopping/tourist attractions
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

10URBAN TOURISM
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.
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

11URBAN TOURISM
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.
b. Potentials for Hong Kong shopping/tourist attractions
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