Sustainable Tourism Law

LAW ON TOURISM IN CHINA – MAINLAND CHINA AND HONG KONG 731 the development of travel packages tailored according to these new transportation infrastructures; (iii) enhance the aviation network and strengthen its position as an international tourism city by expanding its network and positioning itself as a regional hub; (iv) promote and market the tourism image and diversity of its characteristics and products, and develop green tourism by funding the Hong Kong Tourism Board, a subvented governmental body established in 2001 solely for the purpose of enhancing and developing the travel industry in Hong Kong; (v) facilitate and develop local tourism focused on history and heritage, culture and creativity. A number of frequently-visited tourist spots have been distinctively named, such as the Dr Sun Yat-sen Historical Trial; Tai Kwun (the former police headquarters); Tai Hang Fire Dragon Heritage Centre (documentation of an annual celebratory event during mid- -autumn festival); the entire West Kowloon Cultural District; and most importantly, the Victoria Harbour and the harbourfront promenades; (vi) develop other tourism products and initiatives through branding and staging events, to name a few: the Ocean Park, Hong Kong Disneyland, FIA Formula E Hong Kong ePrix, Hong Kong Sevens, Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival; (vii) develop more meetings and incentive travel events locations to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness as a MICE tourism destination; (viii)better technological support for visitors, such as expanding the WIFI coverage, using market technologies; and (ix) enhance the service and professionalism of the entire travel industry by providing training to trade practitioners, support the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s efforts in publicising the quality accreditation system, the Quality Tourism Services Scheme, and assist in the passing of the new Travel Industry Bill which will, once enacted and coming into force, replace the TAO and all subsidiary legislations 119 . 119 Version dated March 10, 2017, introduced into the Legislative Council on 28 February 2017, currently in parliamentary debate in the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. It is an attempt by the government to intervene, revamp, unify and simplify the travel industries’ regulations for the benefit of tourists. The existing TIC will also be superseded by a new governmental body, the Travel Industry Authority.