Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge seeks world-class tourist attraction to alleviate Chinese tourist congestion
- Bridge authority seeking to address complaints that US$15.3 billion bridge is not commercially viable
- Attraction could also further relieve mainland tourist congestion concerns in Tung Chung on Lantau Island
Plans are underway to turn one of the artificial islands that makes up the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge into a world-class tourist attraction in an attempt to address complaints about the US$15.3 billion project.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Authority has invited entertainment companies to bid for the overall planning and conceptual design of a tourism development and supporting facilities on the eastern artificial island of the bridge close to Hong Kong’s Lantau Island, according to a notice posted on its official website.
The operator is stepping up its effort to address complaints over insufficient traffic that could effect the bridge’s commercial viability as well as increased tensions between visitors and Hong Kong residents due to congestion close to the Hong Kong checkpoint.
A staff member with the project’s bidding agent, who refused to give her name, said the operator is open for any concept or style for the project, and that it does not have a preconceived idea of what the island attraction should be.
“They want the bridge [tourist project] to be a world-class brand to attract global visitors,” she said.
Since the longest sea crossing in the world opened in October, the low number of cars and trucks using the 55km bridge has also become a major talking point due to problems obtaining the relevant permits, high toll fees and customs clearance issues.
In contrast, Chinese tourists have shown great enthusiasm for the colossal structure as a symbol of China’s engineering prowess and have flocked in large numbers, although this had led to the tensions with local residents of Tung Chung on Lantau Island in Hong Kong who have complained about being inundated by mainland Chinese visitors.
The new plan, for which bidders have until April 30 to complete the application procedure and summit documentation ahead of a field trip and a bidding briefing on May 10, would mean Chinese tourists would not need to enter the city itself.
According to official data from the border inspection station at the bridge, as of the end of April it has inspected over 8.04 million inbound an outbound passengers and over 250,00 vehicles since the bridge was opened in October.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Authority did not respond to a request for comment.
