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Old park to get new face Howard Young, Legislative Councilor representing the tourism sector said that the Park stays compatible to, and not competitive with Disneyland. He believed that tourists would plan to stay longer here if there are more attractions. “I hope one day we will see joint Ocean Park and Disney packages which can encourage people to come to Hong Kong and do both,” he said. Allan Zeeman, chairman of Ocean Park agreed it was important that the Park becomes not competitive, but compatible to Disneyland. Glendy Chu, Public Relations Manager of Ocean Park added, “we don’t see Disney as our competitor. We have different target patrons. Disney fans may not find our Park appealing while people who look for animal encounter will show no interest in Disney.” Spokesperson for the Hong Kong Disneyland also agreed that the two parks target on different customers. Ocean Park recorded its highest-ever attendance, revenues and surpluses for the fiscal year of 2004/05. “Ticket sales have not been affected by the opening of Disney”, Ms Chu said. Chan Yuk-sum, a housewife with two children said, “The two parks have different themes, I will go both with my children and I am looking forward to see the developed Ocean Park, our local icon.” “The Ocean Park is fantastic. All are recommended”, said Ross Hailay, an Australian tourist who went to Ocean Park with his family. He said his three kids liked the dolphin show most. He would be visiting Disneyland a couple of days later. According to the government, the redeveloped Park would complement Hong Kong Disneyland and enhance Hong Kong’s attraction as the premier family destination in the region. It would also be a catalyst for urban re-generation of the Southern District on Hong Kong Island and the development of the Aberdeen area as a tourism node. Young said Ocean Park has not only been a “jewel of success of Hong Kong”, but also a major attraction in the Southern District. He said the Park could help raise people’ interest in nearby tourist spots, including the famous Jumbo Restaurant, Repulse Bay and Stanley. The redevelopment master plan of Ocean Park was announced in March this year. It aims to redevelop the Park into the world’s best marine-based theme park, featuring more than 70 distinctive attractions by 2010 and establish the Park as a world-class, must-see tourist spot. ‘Ocean’ and ‘Animal Encounter’ will continue to be the park’s key themes. Along with the revamp plan, MTR South Island Line is proposed. Young thought it would make the idea of having joint tickets for both parks even more feasible. As a Southern District councilor, Young thought that new line will be a great asset to the Park, also for people who work and live in the district. “The line will be passing through Ocean Park, from Aberdeen or Ap Lei Chau to Central or Wan Chai. It would ease the movement of people in the Southern District in general, and will help relieve the congestion at Aberdeen Tunnel,” he explained. The plan also included a proposal for the development of three hotels neighbouring the Park. Ocean Park admitted that the hotel development might not be essential, but it will add additional appeal to the overall project. Construction works were scheduled to be carried out in phases, allowing the Park to be stay open during redevelopment. Phase 1 was targeted for completion by the end of 2008 and Phase 2 in 2010. |
The fanfare surrounding the opening of Hong Kong Disney has seemingly failed to overshadow the Ocean Park. And the SAR’s own homegrown marine attraction will undergo a multi-billion dollar makeover plan to boost its popularity among tourists and local residents.