A host of new tourist attractions are in the pipeline, Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip says.

He told legislators today the Government has selected Tung Ping Chau and Plover Cove Reservoir as two pilot areas for developing eco-tourism.

It is also considering developing the second phase of A Symphony of Lights, the popular harbour-front light show launched in January.

Another new attraction, the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui will open by end of this month.

He said the Government will soon invite private sector proposals to develop Central Police Station, Victoria Prison and the former Central Magistracy Compound into a heritage tourism attraction.

New attractions to open soon

The HK Disneyland project is progressing well and is on schedule to open next year. Phase 2 of the HK Wetland Park is scheduled to open at the end of 2005. The Tung Chung Cable Car System is also due to operate in early 2006. By 2007, the heritage hotel converted from the former Marine Police Headquarters will be in operation.

On cruise berthing facilities, the Government is reviewing the future development of Southeast Kowloon in the light of the court's judgment on reclamation in Victoria Harbour. Work is also in hand to identify a suitable site for berthing facilities to meet market demand.

After the SARS crisis last year, Mr Ip said the tourism industry recovered in the second half of the year. As a result, overall visitor arrivals in the year amounted to 15.5 million, still the second highest on record.