International Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Capital
62. To meet intensified regional competition, we will enhance the appeal of Hong Kong as an international convention, exhibition and tourism capital. The Government will work more closely with the convention and exhibition, tourism and hotel industries to improve our competitive edge by seeking to host more mega international events. In parallel, we will actively work with various sectors to promote exhibition and convention tourism, and provide participants and tourists with more quality facilities, services and entertainment. We will also ensure a continuous supply of world-class professionals to support the rapid development of relevant industries. The Financial Secretary and the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development will lead a cross-sector steering committee comprising government and trade representatives to conduct a comprehensive review and formulate relevant development strategies.
63. On infrastructure development, the exhibition area of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will increase by 42% with the completion of the atrium link extension in 2009. To cater for longer term demand, we are exploring with AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) the early commencement of the phase II expansion, which will increase the AWE exhibition area to 100 000 square metres. We are also looking at providing additional convention and exhibition facilities in conjunction with the Trade Development Council. We will also gauge the need for land supply for hotel development.
64. Hong Kong will become a focus of world attention as the city staging the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events. We will make use of this opportunity to attract tourists by vigorously promoting Hong Kong as a tourism and events capital.
