Introduction
The following paper conducts a critical analysis of the 2007-2008 policy address and provides for how it affects tourism. The address was made in the interest of the state of Hong Kong in order to increase prosperity in the region and improve the economic indicators. The focus of the address was to increase the power available to the local economy so that it can compete with comparative advantages in the international market. The policy address is based on the theory that if the country is able to strengthen its position, then it would be possible for it to create a better position for itself in the world.
Identification and Critique of the Pros and Cons
The main advantage of the policy is that it focused on the development of the state of Hong Kong with specific strategies for the short as well as the long term period. The pros of the policy for tourism pertain to the fact that the policy depicts the increase in the development of the transport infrastructure in the region. This preservation of the cultural heritage and archaeological buildings will attract the customers while the transport system will make way for easy travelling for them; aside from this, the policy also points out the establishment of creative capital. This capital is supposed to be a hub for independent art and culture, attracting patrons of art as well as tourists from all around the world. This will enable the region to be competitive in the international tourism market. The cons of the policy pertaining to the fact that the policy does not provide for the development of a specific tourism-oriented campaign. The highlights of the policy for 2007-2008 largely focused on improving the quality of life as well as making strategies for cultural preservation. This is very beneficial for tourism in the region like Hong Kong itself is a business district with deep-rooted culture pertaining to British colonial times as well as that relating to china and Buddhism. Investing in these would enable the tourism flow to increase both from international sources as well as local and regional sources. The critique, however, again is that the policy does not specifically present a tourism-focused strategy.
Personal Opinion on the Address
In my opinion, the policy is a great step towards the economic as well as cultural development of the region; however, it is being limited in terms of presenting a tourism plan. The individual policies which can aid tourism have been presented however, no specific tourism plan is proposed. In my opinion, the policy should also provide a devoted tourism plan for the region.
Suggestions and Recommendations
The recommendation that I would provide for the policy would be to make a specific tourism plan. This could take the form of branding the region as a business as well as a cultural hotspot and launching an advertising and promotions campaign pertaining to the tourism features in the region. Aside from this, the tourism-related policies should be highlighted at conferences and can be used to support the tourism marketing program for Hong Kong. One strong example of this is the Tourism marketing program led by Malaysia which provides a slogan of ‘Malaysia, Truly Asia.’
Conclusion
Hong Kong has been able to develop exponentially in the last 60 years. However, in order to sustain this development, the region has to focus on sustaining the economic development as well as maintaining the institution of democracy while providing for a harmonious society. The policy depicted here also has to focus on the finer points of attracting and retaining tourists in the region to make way for flourishing regional tourism industry.
References
The 2007 – 08 Policy Address (2007).Web.