A recent decline in tourist numbers may be due to the unfavourable global economic climate, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So said today.
Speaking to reporters after attending a morning radio programme, Mr So said the overall number of tourists for the first half of this year rose 2.8%. However, it dropped 8.4% in July and declined 2.1% in the first 15 days of August.
He noted that the number of non-Mainland tourists decreased 3% in July.
Apart from global economic conditions, Mr So believes earlier radical actions against Mainland visitors may still have a negative effect on tourism.
The bureau will closely monitor the trend and work with the industry to attract more tourists from various markets.
In response to media enquiries about Forever Top's application for a free television licence, Mr So said that all applications must be processed according to existing law and procedures.
The Communications Authority is processing the application, and once it has made a recommendation to the Chief Executive in Council for consideration, ExCo will consider it in accordance with the law, he added.
