It’s constructive information that the Chief Govt of Hong Kong has shifted the highlight to help yacht tourism and the pleasure boating trade. As an trade, we absolutely agree with the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Workplace, Xia Baolong, who urged to “Make good use of Hong Kong’s 1,180km of shoreline and 263 islands, and develop wellness tourism, trip tourism, cultural tourism and cruise tourism”.
It has been shut to twenty years since a brand new marina was in-built Hong Kong. The 4 recognized websites for growth in Hong Kong would pave the best way ahead for extra development for the boating trade and the local people. Every of the 4 websites has its deserves, however needs to be studied intimately to maximise their full potential.
Hung Hom Marina: That is preferrred for a landmark marina as it’s within the harbour, enhancing the picture of Hong Kong. It is going to be a pure extension of the Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue of Stars, encouraging the general public to benefit from the waterfront.
Floating buildings or platforms alongside the ocean wall might allow extra actions, retailers or eating places alongside the boardwalk. A marina with watersports services on this location would allow Hong Kong to host mega watersports occasions, which might reactivate Tsim Sha Tsui East. The proximity to The Polytechnic College might open the potential for extra marine analysis or to offer technical programs.
Aberdeen Storm Shelter: An Aberdeen marina growth enlargement would improve probably the most established boating hubs in Hong Kong. The enlarged sheltered water space might accommodate bigger yachts above 30m to berth, and supply a brand new upkeep yard. It will additionally present another means to entry the long-lasting Ocean Park and new Fullerton Lodge.
Airport Marina: The marina and watersports services in Skytopia have benefits in capturing the residents in Tung Chung, Tuen Mun and the Better Bay Space (GBA). Yacht house owners from the GBA might cross the border by automotive and hop on their yachts to cruise in Hong Kong. Guests might fly in, constitution a yacht, and uncover Hong Kong.
Alternatively, native yachts might berth on the airport marina and go to the assorted Lantau sights comparable to Tai O, Ma Wan, Discovery Bay, and Disneyland.
Lamma Island: A marina might not be applicable right here as there aren’t sufficient present supporting services – comparable to water, electrical energy and sewage – and with no floor transportation, it’s too far for the boat house owners, captains and crew to provision the boats.
Nonetheless, Lamma has deserves in being a cruising vacation spot with present eating places and cultural/vacationer sights just like the fisherman village in Picnic Bay/Sok Kwu Wan, in addition to loads of seashores and strolling trails.
CREATE A CRUISING NETWORK
For Hong Kong to be a yachting vacation spot, we have to look past marinas and attempt to construct a cruising community. We must always improve and lengthen the touchdown platforms or berths at varied island places, whereas new and present marinas ought to allocate a sure variety of berths for visiting yachts.
BIG ECONOMIC IMPACT
Primarily based on Hong Kong Census figures, the Hong Kong boating trade has a median import worth of US$285 million per yr (2020-2024), starting from canoes to superyachts.
The boating trade doesn’t simply cease at boat gross sales. The native financial affect continues all through the lifespan of the boat; on common,house owners have to spend about 10 per cent of the boat worth yearly on upkeep.
This interprets to jobs and income for a lot of companies and people – together with captains/crew, berthing/mooring charges, shipyards/mechanics/electricians, insurance coverage, spare-parts gross sales, transportation, coaching, gas stations, eating places and even the native supermarkets.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Hong Kong has a wealthy maritime historical past and can be excellent for ecotourism, as we’re blessed with stunning waters and islands, in addition to a Unesco International Geopark. Many islands have cultural and vacationer sights, in addition to nice native seafood eating places.
WAY FORWARD
The pleasure boat trade has grown considerably in latest a long time, however has been stifled by the dearth of berthing area. To make sure these proposed marina developments are designed with the proper berthing combine, ample services, and may cater to the boating trade, we consider a authorities activity pressure or committee for the pleasure boating trade is important.
LAWRENCE CHOW
Chow is Chair of the Hong Kong Boating Trade Affiliation and the Icomia Asia Working Group. He’s founder and Director of Marine Asia, a marina consultancy representing Poralu Marine in Hong Kong and Macau, and the Supervisor of China Pacific Marine, a family-run boat dealership in Hong Kong that represents Jeanneau, Boston WhalerYanmar, Honda Marine, Sunstream and Yachtwerft Meyer.
hongkongbia.comicomia.orgmarine-asia.com chinapacificmarine.com
This text was first seen on YachtStyle.com.
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