More incentives needed to spur new ecotourism areas in Hong Kong: experts
Francis Lam, former president of the Institute of Surveyors, says the need for infrastructure significantly affects project’s financial viability
Experts have suggested that greater incentives are necessary to motivate developers to invest in and promote ecological sites in South Lantau, following the Hong Kong government’s plan to designate the area as one of three new locations for tourism and residential developments.
Their comments followed the Development Bureau’s announcement on Wednesday, inviting investors to submit expressions of interest for ecotourism development proposals for the quarry site on Lamma Island, which could be transformed into a marina for super yachts, as well as for the South Lantau Eco-Recreation Corridor, and Pak Nai and Tsim Bei Tsui in the Northern Metropolis.
The government intends to use large-scale land disposal for these three sites, a new scheme that requires developers to conduct site formation works and construct public facilities for the government, while retaining private residential sites for profit.
Francis Lam Ka-fai, former president of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors, said that the plan required investors to build infrastructure, including roads, which would significantly affect profitability.
“The government may consider providing basic infrastructure to enhance the project’s financial viability” he said.
Lam said that profits from tourism projects were inherently unstable and influenced by various factors such as visitor numbers.