LET’S NOT FORGET WHY A DESTINATION ORIGINALLY BECAME POPULAR
One of the biggest mistakes that tourist boards make is that they constantly think there is a need to create something entirely new or different to attract visitors. Of course, it’s important help the economy by sharing the love and distributing money around but surely, it’s better to put more focus on the things that already work, rather than move away from the core reasons for people originally visiting? Yes, it makes sense to promote ‘new’ attractions and give people inspiration to experience something they may not have considered before, but it could be said that too much time and energy is spent trying to ‘reinvent the wheel’.
Hong Kong is a prime example of a destination trying hard to attract both new and old visitors. You may have noticed that much of today’s destination advertising is geared towards getting people out of the city, in a bid to welcome back those who have already been and attract those looking for the alternative to downtown Hong Kong. Why….when the downtown areas, either side of Victoria Harbour, are what Hong Kong is famous for?
It’s fair to say that Hong Kong’s visiting clientele has changed substantially, post the British handing the territory back to China in 1997 and now that the Middle East has now become the preferred gateway when flying eastwards. However, many of the prime reasons for visiting remain the same. We also have to remember that many people have still yet to visit Hong Kong, so their ‘bucket list’ of things to do and see are very likely to contain the ‘old favourites’.
So, what do we consider as the ‘old favourites’?
Victoria Peak: Standing at 552m, Victoria Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island. It is also one of the most visited spots by tourists. The most popular way of reaching the summit is by the Peak Tram from the Lower Terminus (operates from 7am – 12 midnight & takes only 7 minutes to get to the top). Alternatively, the Morning Trail walk can be taken by the more adventurous.
Star Ferry: The iconic Star Ferry has been making the 10-minute crossing since 1880 and offers incredible views of the famous skyline. To make it the crossing extra special, why not take the ferry into Central at sunset for A Symphony of Lights (light and sound show)?
Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui / Nathan Road): Nathan Road is nicknamed the ‘Golden Mile’ and is the back-bone of Kowloon, linking the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront to Sham Shui Po in the north. Famed for it’s eye catching neon lights, high-end shopping and crowds of people.
Victoria Harbour: This deep natural harbour separates the central business district of Hong Kong Island from the Kowloon Peninsula. The best views are to be found on the Kowloon Peninsula, along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade looking across the incredible Island skyline.
Hong Kong Skyline: Regarded as one of the most spectacular cityscapes in the world. The 2 most popular locations to ‘skyline spot’ are across the water from Kowloon or from the top of Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island.
Hong Kong Tramways (Ding Ding): One of the most affordable and convenient transport modes on Hong Kong Island, is the iconic tram, or ‘ding ding’. Operations started in 1904 during British rule and today it’s still the cheapest way of transportation.
Central – Mid Levels Escalator: So where is the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator? The answer is Hong Kong Island. The Central–Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system covers over 800m and climbs / descends more than 135m from top to bottom.
Temple Street Night Market: This famous street market is located in the areas of Jordan and Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon. The flea market takes place nightly and as one of the busiest in Hong Kong.
Downtown Districts: Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Central, Admiralty and Mongkok are all popular districts to visit and stay. Lan Kwai Fong and Soho are particularly famed for drinking and dining out.
So, what else is there?: Aside from the ‘old favourites’ we are now seeing the tourist board promote residential districts, Ocean Park*, Hong Kong Disneyland*, Ngong Ping 360, Tian Tian Buddha, Lantau Island and the Dragon’s Back. *Typically, of interest to the Asian market only. Beyond this list, we have seen a growth in new activities involving the arts, cuisine and local life. This makes sense but should not be to the detriment of the core reasons for visiting the destination. Clearly, it’s important to spread the love to help the economy but it must be remembered why a destination became successful in the first place.
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