Hong Kong is leveraging its growing panda population to revive tourism after pandemic-related restrictions and political unrest.
In Hong Kong , it’s pandas, pandas, everywhere. About 2,500 giant panda sculptures are on display around Hong Kong as the Chinese territory hopes to capitalize on its growing panda population to regain its position as one of the top travel destinations in Asia. Hong Kong has struggled to attract tourists in their previous numbers after three years of pandemic border restrictions and a crackdown on dissent following 2019 antigovernment protests tarnished the city’s international image.
Hong Kong currently has six pandas. Its reigning pair, Ying Ying and Le Le, had twins in August, when Ying Ying become the world’s oldest first-time panda mother after years of failed breeding efforts. The cubs could make their public debut in February. In September, Hong Kong also welcomed a pair of 5-year-old pandas that were sent by Beijing, giving it the largest population of giant pandas outside mainland China. The panda windfall has inspired Hong Kong officials to talk about a “panda economy,” encouraging restaurants and businesses to launch panda-themed products. At a Dec. 7 ceremony introducing the two Beijing-gifted bears to the public, Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, said there was a “craze for giant pandas” in the city. The ceremony at Ocean Park, an animal theme park that has been struggling financially, was attended by top mainland Chinese and local officials. Hong Kong’s economy is closely intertwined with China’s, and the recent slowdown in the mainland has been strongly felt here. Last month, Hong Kong’s economic growth forecast for 2024 was downgraded to 2.5%, down from 3.2% last year. That is partly because tourism, a pillar of the Hong Kong economy, has failed to rebound. From January through October of this year, the city received almost 37 million visitors, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, an increase of 37% compared with the same period last yea
PANDA TOURISM HONG KONG ECONOMY CHINA
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