Letters | Move over America, future of tourism lies in Asia and the Middle East

Readers discuss why the US has lost its appeal as a tourist destination for some in Asia, and how Hong Kong can boost its attractiveness to visitors

Reading Time:2 minutes

Tourists sunbathe by the pool of the Al Naseem hotel in the Gulf emirate of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, on July 7, 2020, with a view of the Burj al-Arab hotel in the background. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:30pm, 27 Apr 2024

Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification

Growing up, many of us loved visiting the United States, whether for the theme parks or larger-than-life experiences.

But today my children love places like Dubai and Singapore because the theme parks there are so well-maintained. Also, Asia and the United Arab Emirates are easy to travel around. In the first place, I don’t think my children are interested in 16-hour plane journeys. And we would rather pay for luxury near home than go to the US and pay to do everything ourselves.

The world is changing. The future of tourism is in Asia and the UAE. It’s safe, luxurious and yet cost-effective. And perhaps education and other sectors will become big draws for Asia and the Middle East.

Rishi Teckchandani, Mid-Levels

Hong Kong needs a makeover to attract visitors

I refer to the letter, “2 ways to make Hong Kong a ‘city of hospitality’” (April 20). As a long-term resident, I would like to add my own observations.