Latest news with #RosannaLawShuk-pui
South China Morning Post
05-05-2025
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong scuba divers talk up potential for growth as more overseas visitors go diving
When Hong Kong culture minister Rosanna Law Shuk-pui revealed at a recent Legislative Council (Legco) panel meeting that she was a licensed scuba diver, many were surprised, not only by her extracurricular qualification, but also the fact she actually dives in Hong Kong. Advertisement The secretary for culture, sports and tourism was responding to a lawmaker's proposal to build a pier at Pak Lap Wan, in Sai Kung, to offer more transport options to the nearby High Island Reservoir East Dam, which has become popular with hikers because of the hexagonal rock columns in the area. 'I am a certified rescue diver and Pak Lap Wan was the first place in Hong Kong where I dived,' she told the Legco panel on April 10. 'I, as a rescue diver, do not support any establishment being built there which may hurt its natural ecology and resources.' While Hong Kong is hardly known for being a scuba diving hotspot – especially when compared to the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and even Taiwan – it is not without its appeal. Simon Lorenz, diving instructor, underwater photographer and owner of a dive travel company, in Lobster Bay, Hong Kong, in 2024. Photo: Antony Dickson 'We are on the outskirts of the Coral Triangle and have a good coral and fish diversity,' says Simon Lorenz, a Hong Kong-based underwater photographer. 'The problem with Hong Kong is we are near the Pearl River, so visibility is relatively low.'
South China Morning Post
05-05-2025
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong scuba divers talk up potential for growth as more overseas visitors go diving
When Hong Kong culture minister Rosanna Law Shuk-pui revealed at a recent Legislative Council (Legco) panel meeting that she was a licensed scuba diver, many were surprised, not only by her extracurricular qualification, but also the fact she actually dives in Hong Kong. Advertisement The secretary for culture, sports and tourism was responding to a lawmaker's proposal to build a pier at Pak Lap Wan, in Sai Kung, to offer more transport options to the nearby High Island Reservoir East Dam, which has become popular with hikers because of the hexagonal rock columns in the area. 'I am a certified rescue diver and Pak Lap Wan was the first place in Hong Kong where I dived,' she told the Legco panel on April 10. 'I, as a rescue diver, do not support any establishment being built there which may hurt its natural ecology and resources.' While Hong Kong is hardly known for being a scuba diving hotspot – especially when compared to the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and even Taiwan – it is not without its appeal. Simon Lorenz, diving instructor, underwater photographer and owner of a dive travel company, in Lobster Bay, Hong Kong, in 2024. Photo: Antony Dickson 'We are on the outskirts of the Coral Triangle and have a good coral and fish diversity,' says Simon Lorenz, a Hong Kong-based underwater photographer. 'The problem with Hong Kong is we are near the Pearl River, so visibility is relatively low.'
South China Morning Post
16-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Can Hong Kong look beyond its ‘shopping paradise' era and attract tourists again?
Hong Kong can no longer count on its status as a 'shopping paradise' to lure in tourists due to a significant downturn in recent years, while soaring living costs pose hurdles to investment and development in the sector, according to experts at an industry summit. Advertisement Speakers at the 2025 World Tourism Cities Federation Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit on Wednesday also said that Hong Kong needed to diversify its offerings and enhance hospitality to revitalise the sector. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, who gave the opening speech for the second day of the event, said tourism was a 'fast-moving and ever-changing landscape'. 'I encourage stakeholders to break out of the boundaries from previous endeavours; even the old patterns of success,' she said. Law pledged earlier this month to press on with rolling out new initiatives focused on local resources such as islands and coasts, after meeting with Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, whom she said was deeply concerned about how the city could enhance its offerings for visitors. Advertisement Industry veterans said an important step was shifting away from an overreliance on retail offerings.
South China Morning Post
13-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
How Hong Kong can tap the potential of its island economies-in-waiting
Recent discussions in Beijing over Hong Kong's tourism have emphasised the potential of its islands and coastal resources for the development of distinctive experiences. Advertisement Returning from her visit, Hong Kong's Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, spoke of how Hong Kong could innovate within the tourism sector. Indeed, Hong Kong's islands and coastline hold vast tourism potential, their breathtaking natural wonders blending with the city's rich cultural heritage. Hong Kong's Unesco Global Geopark showcases dramatic geological formations. Our diverse ecosystems offer ever-changing landscapes. Quaint fishing villages dot the shoreline, preserving unique traditions, while the vibrant intangible cultural heritage – from festivals to folk arts – adds to the charm. Pristine beaches and world-class fishing spots cater to leisure seekers while the thriving seafood scene promises culinary delights. This seamless fusion of nature and culture lays a solid foundation for a flourishing, multifaceted island tourism industry. It sets the scene for business travellers to experience both the bustling city and the tranquil islands – a Hong Kong of dual charms, as both a city of neon lights and a calm resort, and all within a short stay. The government should fully leverage Hong Kong's tourism resources to offer island-hopping, particularly in relation to business tourism. Hong Kong's islands boast a mix of well-developed tourist destinations like Cheung Chau and Lamma Island , and secluded but emerging spots such as Tap Mun and Green Egg Island, providing diverse offshore experiences. However, in promoting island tourism and coastal development, careful consideration must be given to the carrying capacity and supporting infrastructure of each location. Advertisement Tap Mun, also known as Grass Island, has struggled in recent years with overcrowding during the holidays due to its limited facilities. Insufficient ferry services often result in long queues of tourists at Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier, highlighting the strain on existing facilities.
South China Morning Post
04-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Xia Baolong ‘concerned' with Hong Kong's tourism, as minister vows to do more
Beijing's point man on Hong Kong affairs is deeply concerned with how the city can enhance its offerings for visitors, the tourism chief has said while pledging to press on with rolling out new initiatives focused on local resources such as islands and coasts. Advertisement Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui made the pledge on Friday after presenting her work and future plans to Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, and meeting other officials in Beijing. 'Director Xia is especially concerned about how we can keep putting forth new ideas to enhance our tourism offerings, especially our islands and coasts. We can make the most of this kind of precious and rich tourism resource,' she said. 'In fact, we have been keeping up with our short, medium and long-term plans … We'll be working step-by-step to carry out the vision instructed by the central government. We need to roll out new things to keep attracting tourists to return to Hong Kong.' Law added the Development Bureau had already invited investors to submit expressions of interest for ecotourism development proposals for the quarry site on Lamma Island, as well as for the South Lantau Eco-Recreation Corridor. Advertisement In view of the opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park last month, the tourism chief said she also reported the park's operational status to Xia and the General Administration of Sport of China, pledging to continue to play well their guiding and supervisory role. 'A series of grand events including the Hong Kong Sevens were held, and the attendance was enthusiastic,' she said. 'People and players evaluated the sports park very positively. We'll keep it up with our guiding and supervisory job.'
