Secretary Rosanna Law Highlights Hong Kong's Tourism Innovations at WTCF Gala Dinner

2025-04-16 20:02 Last Updated At：20:18

Speech by SCST at World Tourism Cities Federation Hong Kong Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit 2025 Gala Dinner

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) Hong Kong Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit 2025 Gala Dinner today (April 16):

Mr Michael Lee, Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Guo Huaigang, Secretary General of WTCF, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen and friends from the global tourism community,

Good evening, everyone!

Over the past few days, we have witnessed together a rich and colourful array of Summit activities, from experiencing Hong Kong's diversified and unique tourism resources through visiting tourists attractions, to engaging in in-depth fora and meetings about the latest developments, trends, and insights of the tourism industry, on top of deepened mutual understanding and strengthened friendship, I know that we also reached valuable consensus covering many aspects on tourism development. Through exploring innovative strategies and best practices that can elevate our respective destinations and enhance the experiences we offer to visitors from around the globe together, I am confident that we shall meet our common goal and achieve high-quality development of the tourism economy.

As far as Hong Kong is concerned, we boast significant traditional strengths: world-class tourist attractions, vibrant culinary scene, efficient urban management and unparalleled transport systems, to name just a few. Some of you have experienced first hand the tourism assets of Hong Kong earlier this week and just now in the afternoon. But Hong Kong is a city that never stands still. We are working in full steam to strengthen these assets, as well as unearthing new tourism resources to consolidate our position as a world-class premier tourist destination. One of our key strategies is to press ahead with the four "+ Tourism" directions, which integrates culture, sports, ecology and mega events into our tourism offerings. And tonight we are enjoying the breathtaking ambiance of the iconic Happy Valley racecourse, which is a perfect example for illustrating this approach.

Horse racing has been a cornerstone of Hong Kong's cultural identity for over a century. It is a game, a sport and so much more. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is Hong Kong's largest charitable donor, and the various sectors under my purview – sports, culture and tourism, benefit tremendously from the generosity of the Jockey Club. And as you can see and feel for yourselves, horse-racing is also a vibrant social event that brings people together, and people are enjoying themselves no doubt. We are further enriching this activity with cultural experiences, culinary delights, and entertainment. Unique tourism products, integrating different offerings, are being developed to bring holistic experience to visitors. Similarly, we are also crafting a series of distinctive and attractive tourism products and projects under the four "+ Tourism" directions to showcase Hong Kong's unique and diversified characteristics in new and exciting ways.

Tourism is an important dynamo for economic development, and an important bridge that connects people and culture. In the face of future challenges and opportunities, we need to unite more closely and jointly explore new friends, areas and paths in tourism. I believe that with the friendship we developed in the last few days, and our concerted efforts, we can together foster brighter and sustainable development of the global tourism industry.

Once again, please accept my sincere gratitude for your active participation in this episode of the Fragment Hills Tourism Summit, and your unwavering dedication to advancing the tourism sector.

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my special and heartfelt gratitude to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Chairman Michael and CEO Winfried, for the Club's generous sponsorship of this wonderful evening.

Thank you so very much, and enjoy the rest of your evening!

FEHD Launches Campaign to Combat Dripping Air Conditioner Nuisances Ahead of Summer

2025-05-02 17:30 Last Updated At：17:38

FEHD steps up publicity, education work and enforcement efforts to tackle dripping air conditioner issues

A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (May 2) that the department has been adopting a multipronged approach to address environmental hygiene nuisances caused by dripping air conditioners. In preparation for the upcoming summer, the department has rolled out proactive measures, including enhancing publicity and education campaigns, as well as targeted inspections of buildings with related issues. From May to September, the FEHD will conduct territory-wide enforcement operations to crack down on illegal acts of dripping air conditioners in private buildings, aiming to minimise nuisances to the public, enhance environmental hygiene, and improve the city's appearance.

Over the past two weeks (April 16 to 30), FEHD staff have escalated publicity and education efforts across various districts, including distributing promotional leaflets, displaying posters and putting up banners with property management companies and local community members. These initiatives aim to enhance public awareness and foster a sense of responsibility regarding dripping air conditioners, reminding them to take preventive measures to mitigate nuisances proactively. During the period, about 16,000 related leaflets and posters were distributed, among which 495 buildings and housing estates were involved. In addition, FEHD staff have been closely liaising with District Offices and District Council members and committee members to participate in various related publicity activities and work and, through the community network, encouraging the public to face and follow up the problem of dripping air conditioners. The department will also continue to utilise various channels and means to disseminate relevant information to the public, including online platforms and launching thematic webpages.

Between May and September, the FEHD will continue to conduct blitz operations targeting dripping air conditioner blackspots across various districts. This targeted enforcement strategy aims to enhance the effectiveness of addressing the issue.

In accordance with the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), a person shall be guilty of an offence if he allows his air conditioner to discharge water in such a manner as to be a hygiene nuisance to others. If a nuisance is proven, the FEHD will issue a Nuisance Notice to require the owner or occupier of the relevant premises to abate the nuisance within a specified period. A person who fails to comply may be prosecuted and, upon conviction, is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $10,000, as well as a daily fine of $200 as long as the nuisance continues.

The FEHD calls on members of the public to check their air conditioners regularly. If water dripping is detected, they should expeditiously resolve the problem and avoid causing a nuisance to others. For more information, please refer to the leaflet on the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pleasant_environment/library/aircon/CheckMaintainAC.pdf).