Disneyland to repay govt loans by investing new Pixar area to boost visitor experience: Rosanna Law

The tourism chief announced that Hong Kong Disneyland will repay the remaining loans to the government within the current fiscal year, and agreed that it would be beneficial for the theme park to allocate any surplus toward the construction of the Pixar area, thereby enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui stated on Tuesday that, given the current financial circumstances of the SAR government, initiating substantial new tourism infrastructure projects may prove challenging. 

She emphasized that it would be beneficial for Hong Kong Disneyland to allocate any surplus after repaying the remaining 40 percent of loans and introduce innovative entertainment experiences for tourists afterward.

Perry Yiu Pak-leung, a lawmaker representing the tourism sector, expressed concerns regarding the government’s strategy to develop Lantau Island into a premier international tourist destination and whether the theme park would aim at attracting a greater number of visitors.

In response, Law indicated that numerous development projects are planned for Lantau Island in the coming years, including establishing a yacht berth near the airport. She said the initiative is expected to attract tourists to the area and generate a synergistic effect with Disneyland.

Furthermore, Law expressed confidence that Disneyland would capitalize on opportunities presented by government policies permitting private vehicles from Guangdong to enter Hong Kong within this year.

Michael Moriarty, the managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, remarked that Hong Kong Disneyland serves as a significant attraction on Lantau Island and expressed his intent to collaborate with various sectors to encourage tourists to extend their stay in Hong Kong.