Alan Lam reporting from Hong Kong
For weeks, the interminable unrest in Hong Kong has been headline news all over the world. We see shocking scenes of street battles taking place in the city, which is otherwise deemed to be one of the safest in the world. Inevitably, as a result, Hong Kong has suffered a significant drop in visitor numbers. But so far, at least, its cruise business appears have escaped relatively unscathed.
“Preliminary figures show a double-digit decline in the number of visitor arrivals in the second half of July, leading to a fall in total arrivals for the month,” Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) told CruiseBusiness.com Magazine.
According Jeff Bent, Managing Director of World Wide Cruise Terminals, to date, cruise ship calls and passenger numbers have not been affected to the same extent. “I think that given the protests do not target bystanders or shops, calls can continue as usual,” he told us. “The largest group of Hong Kong cruise passengers are locals, who have not been disturbed.”
But the picture is more complicated; the situation is still evolving from day to day. The exact extent of the impact on cruise tourism is as yet undetermined. Moreover, “since the ship deployment pattern is different, it is difficult to make direct comparison with the same period last year,” said HKTB.
Proper perspective
As the city prepares for yet another weekend of confrontations, it may be easy for the wider world to lose sight of the fact that Hong Kong is above everything else an iconic cruise destination, a highly efficient city with a shining word-class infrastructure, which is well run and well maintained, and has an almost peerless hospitality industry that is in no way undermined by the recent event.
International media have reported and often sensationalised the Hong Kong protests. For those of us who live and work in the city, the reality is quite different.
Indeed our daily life and movements have been inconvenienced somewhat by civil disobediences and sporadic public transport disruptions. The very nature of these protests is different from those encountered elsewhere. They are by and large good-natured and not threats to the safety of people and properties.
“International media do not generally make it clear that bystanders and local businesses have not been targeted. We hope that this is more accurately reflected going forwards,” said Bent.
Hong Kong’s cruise industry and HKTB are constantly monitoring the situation and are in communication with cruise lines. “At present, the operation of cruise terminals and the tourist activities in Hong Kong continue as usual,” said HKTB. “Hotel and tourism operators are also monitoring the situation, and are prepared to provide necessary assistance to minimise disruption to travellers in the event that unforeseen circumstances arise.”
Evolving situation
Our correspondent has been in Hong Kong throughout the unrest. He can report that so far, besides the well-publicized recent flight cancellations and transport disruptions there have been minimal interruptions to tourism-related services. Hotels, shops and restaurants are operating as usual. All cruise ports are functioning normally.
The situation remains fluid. More protests are expected. As the movement spreads, its very nature is evolving. Flashmob tactics are employed by some. The Chinese government is becoming increasingly agitated and it has not ruled out the deployment of the army. If the PLA (People’s Liberation Army) enters the tableau, the entire picture will be radically different.
As we write these lines, air, rail, and road transports services are operating normally and with typical efficiency. There are no discernible safety issues concerning travellers. Citizens and visitors are kept well informed of potential service interruptions.
“As the safety and security of travellers are of the utmost importance, the Hong Kong Tourism Board continues to monitor the current situation closely,” said HKTB. “Should there be any tourist areas or major attractions affected by public events, we will inform visitors via our website, visitor centres and visitor service hotline to help them plan their trips.”
