Letters | Hong Kong’s polluting fireworks may backfire, rather than draw tourists

Readers discuss the government’s plan to hold monthly firework displays over Victoria Harbour, what Singapore offers Chinese tourists, and the need for Hong Kong to spruce up its streets

Hong Kong budget 2024-25

Letters

Published: 11:30am, 9 Mar 2024

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Despite the end of the Covid-19 epidemic in Hong Kong last year and the easing of related restrictions, economic woes persist. In a bid to boost tourism, the government announced plans to host a monthly firework display at Victoria Harbour. It is a wonder that this idea managed to make it past the drawing board.

After all, fireworks release large amounts of particulate matter. A US study found that the 24-hour average concentration of fine respirable particulates (PM2.5) rose by 42 per cent – 5 micrograms per cubic metre of air (μg/m3) across the nation immediately after the Fourth of July fireworks. For sites close to the fireworks, the average concentrations went up by as much as 370 per cent (48 μg/m3). Fireworks also release air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and the metal salts responsible for the coloured flames.

Ambient air pollution is estimated to have accounted for 4.2 million premature deaths globally in 2019. In Hong Kong, it may contribute to leading causes of death, such as pneumonia, heart and cerebrovascular diseases, and dementia.

The financial secretary said the fireworks would retain visitors for an additional night, but Chinese studies show that poor air quality makes for a poor tourist attraction. The economic benefits that the fireworks may potentially bring would also be offset by the long-term healthcare cost of exposure to excess air pollution – and we have not even gone over the noise and water impacts.

The government should embrace eco-tourism and showcase Hong Kong’s natural beauty to attract a diverse range of visitors. With about 40 per cent of Hong Kong’s land dedicated to country parks, seven marine parks and the Hong Kong Unesco Global Geopark, the government should encourage tourists to explore the countryside and experience the green side of Hong Kong. This will not only diversify their travel experiences but also enhance Hong Kong’s green image internationally.

Wendell Chan, senior officer, policy research and advocacy, Friends of the Earth (HK)

Lessons on tourism Hong Kong can learn from Singapore

The recent visa-free travel deal for mainland Chinese visitors drew many of them to Singapore for Lunar New Year. I too visited the Lion City with friends, and was impressed by the simple immigration procedure, scrupulous tourism planning, cultural integration and abundance of greenery.

All of these, I believe, will subject Hong Kong to comparisons with Singapore as a popular travel destination, especially among mainlanders.

Today, Singapore comes across as more accessible to mainland tourists. They simply need a passport to enter Singapore, whereas a special permit is required for travel to Hong Kong. Upon arriving in Singapore, visitors merely have to get their passports scanned and do not even need to talk to an immigration officer. This procedural simplicity makes visitors from the mainland feel welcome.

Besides, Singapore’s tourism planning is excellent, as tourist spots are clustered together. The Singapore Flyer, Marina Bays Sands and Clarke Quay are all in the same vicinity.

Sentosa Island, which offers a variety of entertainment facilities and resorts, is another case in point. The transport is amazing. While there are long queues for the monorail to and from Sentosa Island, they move quickly. This is completely different from my back-breaking experience of queuing for the Peak Tram in Hong Kong.

I was also impressed by the international atmosphere pervading Singapore. Chinatown, Little India and Haji Lane offer tourists a taste of the city state’s history and multiple cultures.

Last but not least, the urban green space makes Singapore a pleasant place to visit. Singapore has not only paid attention to conservation, but is integrating green elements into the urban fabric, generating an utopic city outlook.

Singapore offers an example Hong Kong can learn from. Hong Kong must continue to improve its tourism infrastructure and planning to compete against this strong rival.

Anson Chan, Guangzhou

Hong Kong is in severe need of beautification

The letter, “Political party posters are an eyesore” (March 7), which draws attention to the posters hung around Central, urges me to comment on the generally sad state of our city’s appearance.

Having recently returned from a visit to Zhongshan and witnessed the cleanliness, the beautification of their boulevards with flowers and trees, the excellent state of their roads and footpaths, and the beauty of the lanterns and lights which festooned restaurants and other public places, I’m sad to say Hong Kong is looking like a poor relative.

Here, we see roadway planter troughs filled with dying, dry or half-dead shrubs while our roads and footpaths are in serious need of repair. Navigating the footpaths in Central district can be an obstacle course, as the uneven surface presents a hazard.

It all looks rather sad for a city that wants to attract international tourists. A few floating red hearts I doubt will do the trick.

Forget about monthly fireworks and use the funds for refurbishment of footpaths and put up some lights to brighten our once beautiful city.

Let’s put the “happy” back into Hong Kong.

Marguerite Lee, Mid-Levels