Letters | Hong Kong must think twice about eco-tourism

The launch of the Hello Hong Kong campaign marks our return to normalcy. While our city remains a shopping paradise, the government is looking to promote green tourism to diversify our attractions. Yet caution may be required.

First, eco-tourism should be regulated to promote sustainability and safeguard the environment. Take Yilan, for example. The coastal county in northern Taiwan offers breathtaking views that have made it a green destination. To minimise the environmental impact of tourism, the local authorities regularly work to raise awareness and enforce laws, such as against littering. Taking into consideration what the local environment can sustainably support, more bicycle lanes and public transport have also been provided.

Similarly, in Hong Kong, the government must factor in the recovery capacity of eco-tourist spots and mitigate any potential damage to nature. If the environment is overwhelmed by visitors, eco-tourism becomes unsustainable.

In any case, it would be difficult for green tours to become the main element of our tourism industry. Hong Kong is a small city. It is truly a blessing that we can reach green areas within an hour. But there are far more magnificent and diverse eco-tourism destinations elsewhere, such as the Amazon rainforest. In comparison, the Hong Kong Wetland Park, for instance, is likely to disappoint the tourists used to attractions on a far grander scale.

For Hongkongers, however, our country parks are a haven. If we start to encourage thousands of visitors from overseas to go to these parks, we risk overtourism and conflict between travellers and locals.