HONG KONG – Hong Kong is aiming to ride the recent surge in panda popularity to promote a “panda economy” in the city, according to the chairman of the organizing committee for a series of panda-themed events.
Simon Yim Siu-wing, who also serves as the executive president of the Federation of Hong Kong Sichuan Community Organizations, told a local radio program on Wednesday that the addition of a new pair of pandas gifted by Beijing gives the city a total of six pandas – a unique draw for tourists.
“Apart from Chengdu, Hong Kong stands out from the rest of the world having six pandas on display, which is appealing to tourists,” Yim said.
The city has already begun capitalizing on the “panda craze,” with businesses introducing panda-themed products and promotions. Yim noted that restaurants have added panda-themed menu items, while Ocean Park’s social media updates on its panda cubs have seen an “incredibly high hit rate.”
To further stoke interest, a series of “ICpanda” events kicked off across the city on September 14, including a panda-themed light show at the Space Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui. Yim said the light show, which integrated elements of giant pandas and local culture, has received enthusiastic responses and helped increase citizens’ sense of identity.
“Apart from Chengdu, Hong Kong stands out from the rest of the world having six pandas on display, which is appealing to tourists,”
“Some citizens specifically made their trips to Tsim Sha Tsui for the light show and spend in the region, he said, adding that the “panda craze” is helping to drive the local economy.
Yim urged merchants to roll out more panda-related products to capitalize on the trend, arguing that the new pandas present “great business opportunities” for the city.
