Ocean Park to implement free admission

The government will suggest Ocean Park open its doors for free within the next two to three years and will only charge visitors for rides and exhibitions, according to sources.

This came after the financially-troubled park received HK$3 billion in government funding last year, but the pandemic gave it another blow as it was forced to close during local waves of outbreaks.

Sources said the government will propose scrapping the HK$498 entry fee and allow tourists to enter the park free of charge.

People should pay a separate fee for each facility such as animal exhibitions, the park's signature cable car and the thrill rides.

"The government might propose the park to allow visitors to enter the park for free and charge them separately to visit different venues including the Grand Aquarium or the Giant Panda Adventure attraction," sources added.

It is understood that the catering services inside the park will be operated by subcontractors in the future and some of the attractions, such as the cable car, might cost tourists some several tens of dollars.

However, tourism sector lawmaker Yiu Si-wing said the plan's effectiveness would depend on the pricing of the facilities.

"The effectiveness of this plan will depend on how much they charge for each facility and whether those facilities are still attractive to the public. I would suggest replacing thrill rides that are old and have lost appeal to the public," Yiu said.

He added that as the plan anticipates more visitors, the government might consider outsourcing some of the venues and facilities such as restaurants and thrill rides to other business establishments.

"Such changes in the park's mode of operation could be a good idea and Ocean Park would not have to bear the entire park's expenditure by itself," Yiu said.

He expects the government will announce the suggestions in the coming few days.

This came after the 44-year-old theme park asked the government for a HK$10 billion injection early last year after running into financial difficulties, a proposal strongly opposed by lawmakers.

Ocean Park later amended the proposal to only ask the government for HK$5.4 billion to cover operating costs and pay commercial loans, which was passed in the Financial Committee. The fund is expected to be used up by the middle of this year.

In the Policy Address last November, the government said it has set its focus on revitalizing Ocean Park and stepping up facilities within the vicinity as part of its plans to "invigorate Island South."