With political tensions running high in Hong Kong, Prudence Lui finds out how travel and tourism players are bracing themselves for a shutdown of its business district, if it comes
A cloud of uncertainty has enveloped Hong Kong’s travel agencies and hotels, who are making arrangements to deal with the fallout from any further Occupy Central protests if, and when, they strike.
The call for civil disobedience was renewed when the Chinese Central Government last month failed to adopt a genuine universal suffrage for Hong Kong’s chief executive election in 2017. The campaign was initiated as early as last year, although it seems to have gathered momentum in recent months.
There have been chatters of a territory-wide school/university boycott on September 22, but details of the long-awaited Occupy Central action – a mass sit-in that will block main roads in the business district of Central for days – have yet to be announced at press time. Tipped to be on October 1, the potential turnout has been estimated at 10,000 participants.
Rounding up the industry to express their concerns in a meeting with the security bureau, the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners’ executive director, Michael Li, said: “For hotels with sister properties, we would also assess the feasibility to shift their guests from Central to other districts in case the protest happens. With such arrangements, it is vital for hotel staff stationed at the airport to brief guests on arrival to minimise inconvenience.” When required, hotels are also prepared to seal entrances and direct guests to exits used by staff, he added.
Holiday World Tours managing director, Paul Leung, said he is also prepared to refund money to clients who cancel their trips. Leung noted: “Our bookings for the last few months have remained slow; this is the same for October.
“We worry about the situation as a roadblock in Central may affect the sightseeing journey to the Peak. Nonetheless, the city is still safe to visit given the sophistication of our citizens.”
Thankfully, business travellers seem unfazed. DMC – The Destination Management Company’s managing director, Jenny May, said she has not received any cancellations or postponements. “No concern has been shown by our clients, and I’m not concerned too. I think it will be business as usual.”
Most stakeholders that TTG Asia talked to are hopeful that the demonstrations would be small and short-lived. However, they are not letting down their guard.
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong’s spokesperson said: “As we expect heavy traffic and road transport to be disrupted, we are working hard to make sure there is as little impact on our guests as possible, and we have a contingency plan in place. Should the Occupy Central movement occur, we would keep our guests updated on the situation through bulletin boards located in the lobby and at the main entrance of the hotel. These will be updated throughout the day as and when necessary. We will also have additional staff on duty to escort guests arriving via Airport Express.
“Hotels also have strong support from the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) who opened a dedicated enquiry hotline for concierges and from the Transport Department. The Hong Kong police will upload the latest information on their website to keep the public informed on alternative transportation routes and safety advice should there be a demonstration.”
Hong Kong Hotel Association executive director, James Lu, expressed confidence in the police force. He said: “Our hotel members, especially those in Central, work very closely with the police. They also share intelligence, so hotels can react and deploy staff accordingly…As far as I know, our police is ready to cope and has the ability to handle any situation.
“I haven’t heard any concerns from overseas about the political situation or any plans to cancel or postpone trips. But if the situation worsens, the story would be quite different. We’ll adopt a wait-and-see tactic.”
In some ways, the uncertainty has already hit outbound travel. With Hong Kong’s disciplinary forces put on standby, staff have been asked not to go on leave as the city remains on high alert, thwarting the holiday plans of many.
Wing On Travel Services assistant general manager (South-east Asia & longhaul operation), Simon Ma, shared: “They were asked not to take leave in July and August. The summer holiday is high season for them to travel with their families.”
Though he does not serve this segment of travellers, Lotus Tours general manager, Ken Ng, confirmed that this is what other travel trade members are seeing. He said: “Based on IATA’s latest BSP settlement figures, the last two weeks of August saw drops of 16 per cent and 14.2 per cent respectively in volume. This may give us some clue.”
Looking at the levy collected by the Tourism Industry Council on outbound group tour and FIT packages, this has also dropped by 11.4 per cent from HK$2,521,485 (US$325,334) in July 2013 to 2,234,028 in July 2014.
Legislative councilor for the wholesale and retail sectors, Vincent Fang, said: “It’s a very challenging time for us because the protest is related to politics, and the declaration is to occupy Central without disclosing the time frame. It’s unlike any usual protest or demonstration we’ve had before, where the impact on locals’ livelihoods would be obvious.
“Some tour groups have asked whether shops would still receive groups during the incident. My answer is…(shoppers) may avoid visiting Central and go to other areas.”
This article was first published in TTG Asia, September 26, 2014 issue, on page 7. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe
