"We are not afraid of competition as we are preparing new attractions while implementing a policy to facilitate travelers," Lam told City Forum.

She also refuted claims that Hong Kong was used by the US-based Walt Disney Co as a stepping stone to penetrate the Greater China market.

"Up to May 2009, the total number of visitors to Hong Kong Disneyland reached 17 million. They spent over HK$17 billion, adding HK$10 billion to the economy and creating over 10,000 job opportunities," Lam said.

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Hong Kong Tourism Board chairman James Tien Pei-chun said about 1.6 million mainlanders visited Hong Kong Disneyland over the past year, with half of them coming from Guangdong.

"The others came from northern and central China, and Shanghai's Disneyland may attract these tourists," he said. "However, Shanghai's Disneyland will not be ready until 2014."

Surveys found the biggest attraction for tourists is Hong Kong's metropolitan atmosphere, with lots of shopping and dining opportunities. "And Hong Kong is a safe city with good medical and transport support," Tien said.

Tourism sector legislator Paul Tse Wai-chun said the SAR should not forget its uniqueness, and should not just focus on attracting mainland tourists while neglecting other foreign countries.

"We can't just accept everything from the mainland," Tse said.

"If we forget our advantages and serve fishballs and milk tea in Hong Kong Disneyland, it will be the end of Hong Kong."

Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents chairman Michael Wu Siu-ying said the city should focus on quality instead of quantity in attracting tourists.