Instead of prioritising one-off events, tourism planners should add value to its cultural treasures by embracing new technology and new ideas
The Hong Kong tram is woven into the fabric of citizens’ everyday life and represents one of the city’s most distinctive assets. The city must consolidate its existing tourism and ecological and cultural resources to give them a significant boost.
, embodying a cherished part of the city’s identity as they traverse Hong Kong Island for the past 120 years. We must recognise and harness the untapped potential of a system that has operated since 1904, integrating new technologies and thoughtful planning to transform the tram into the epitome of the city’s culture, appealing to locals and tourists alike.
” by locals, is woven into the collective memory of Hongkongers who have ridden them since childhood. As trams shuttle to and fro, their distinctive bell chimes, in contrast with honking cars, serve as a familiar signal to pedestrians and drivers alike. The unique “ding ding” sound has become a quintessential sound mark of Hong Kong streets.
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Offering affordable fares and a leisurely pace, trams cater perfectly to those seeking a more contemplative experience.
. The Hong Kong tram service extends to tram charters, enabling passengers to host private parties and festivities on board.
, a guided one-hour excursion, passengers are welcomed with local anecdotes and tram history as the carriage glides along the waterfront.
in Sai Wan, which serves as a maintenance hub for trams, could introduce cutting-edge technologies to foster environmentally sustainable, cost-efficient solutions.
Integrating smart navigation systems with augmented reality technology could allow passengers to scan attractions through a mobile app for real-time information and historical insight. Equipping mobile phones with multilingual guided tour services would aid foreign visitors’ comprehension of Hong Kong’s rich culture and history.
. Converting trams into hotels on tram tracks presents a novel prospect, letting passengers savour the island’s night views from a distinctive vantage point.
Beyond the existing sightseeing services, the tram company could consider offering catering services, repurposing trams into mobile restaurants where patrons can dine amid scenic vistas.
. The Tramways Company could collaborate with local artists, providing them with opportunities to exhibit their works within the trams and host regular art showcases. Authorities might also consider easing licensing restrictions under the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance, enabling trams to transform into live performance venues where musicians can perform.
in the northern parts of the city could help mitigate carbon emissions and noise pollution.
and provide a convenient mode of travel for Hongkongers. As they run from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island, authorities could explore the idea of an “Island Tour” route.
The Hong Kong government should initiate research on trams. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Transport and Logistics Bureau, Development Bureau and Hong Kong Tourism Board could spearhead a comprehensive campaign of in-depth studies to investigate the potential of leveraging trams as innovative tourism assets. The city could benefit from the insights gleaned from the planning studies by Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority and their impact on tourism.
or short-term initiatives. However, the paramount need is for Hong Kong to establish a holistic and cohesive planning framework that encompasses thorough research on arts and culture, social resources, ecotourism and strategic tourism planning.
calls for a collaborative effort from a diverse pool of talent. Using trams as an example, they go beyond their role as a mode of transport to embody cultural and touristic experiences that unlock a wealth of possibilities and chances to nurture a variety of industries.
As a form of public transport, trams operate under policies formulated and overseen by the Transport and Logistics Bureau. Given that trams play a pivotal role as tourism assets in Hong Kong, the overarching tourism development strategy remains intertwined with tram-related policies.
The bureau should embark on extensive research and recognise trams as embodiments of Hong Kong’s identity. Beyond conservation efforts, there exists a pressing need for innovation to modernise and reposition trams as invaluable tourism resources which bolster the city’s competitiveness and allure.
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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.
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