The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) has proposed 10 measures to enhance island tourism, including launching an island-hopping route and improving water taxi services.
The proposal follows the government's outline for developing island-hopping in both the 2024 Policy Address and the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong's Tourism Industry 2.0.
Islands District Council member Yip Pui-kei argued that current land transportation is insufficient to support island-hopping development, given that the Islands District spans Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, Peng Chau, Mui Wo, and Tai O, among other areas.
Yip suggested the government model its transportation system after those in Thailand, Japan, and Greece by introducing boats or water taxis to directly connect the islands, to shorten travel time, and attract overnight visitors.
Lawmaker Chan Hok-fung emphasized that tourism development in the Islands District should promote harmonious coexistence between residents and visitors, ensuring that travelers integrate respectfully with local communities.
Meanwhile, DAB has proposed establishing commemorative plaques or memorial halls at historical sites like Mui Wo, Shan Heung, and Tai O to preserve the history of World War II in Hong Kong.
Ryan Chuk Hing-toi, chairman of DAB's Islands Branch, suggested establishing a patriotic education corridor for the relics of the War of Resistance to raise public awareness of Hong Kong's wartime history and promote patriotic values.
The proposal also features cultural upgrades, such as transforming Mui Wo into an international beach music hub and enhancing pet-friendly facilities on Peng Chau.
The other suggestions involve developing Tung Chung's waterfront into an economic corridor, promoting water-friendly cultural activities at Pui O, and establishing a premium coastal resort in South Lantau.
Chuk highlighted that measures such as installing wind turbines on Lamma Island could be implemented in the short term.
Additional initiatives, such as revitalizing Tai O's stilt houses and enhancing Cheung Chau's market culture, would further boost the islands' appeal, as these sites already draw significant visitor interest, he added.
