Hong Kong, Sept. 27 (Shroffed.com) — A pair of giant pandas, An An and Ke Ke, gifted by the Chinese central government, arrived on Thursday morning around 11 a.m. at Hong Kong International Airport, just as the city prepares for the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
Their arrival, coinciding with a wave of National Day celebrations led by the Hong Kong government, has sparked widespread discussion among locals, tourists, and officials. There is growing optimism that the “panda economy” could become a key driver in boosting the city’s post-pandemic tourism recovery.
Tourism Minister Kevin Yeung expressed his enthusiasm in an earlier Facebook post, saying the pandas would “attract a significant number of tourists and residents,” providing both an economic and cultural lift. He also pledged financial support to Ocean Park, which will now be responsible for caring for six pandas.
The pandas are set to become a major attraction at Ocean Park, which recently welcomed twin panda cubs born last month. Currently, the park’s website still shows that the “Giant Panda Adventure” program has been suspended since Aug. 15. Chief Executive John Lee announced Tuesday that the public will be able to visit the pandas starting in mid-December.
A Timely Boost to Tourism
With Hong Kong’s tourism still recovering from the pandemic, the total number of visitor arrivals in the first seven months of 2024 was 30.48% lower than in 2018. Amid the city’s efforts to attract both local and international visitors, the pandas have arrived at a pivotal time.
Earlier this month, the Hong Kong government introduced more than 400 initiatives to draw crowds as part of the National Day celebrations. Timothy Chui, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, told RTHK that “hotel bookings for October 1 are looking good,” with many mid-range accommodations seeing a 10% to 15% increase in prices due to rising demand.
Chui noted that the upcoming National Day events, including the panda-themed fireworks, are expected to bring a significant influx of tourists. Additionally, districts across Hong Kong, in collaboration with Ocean Park, have been launching free-of-charge events to welcome the pandas, aiming to attract 1 million locals and tourists.
Hong Kong’s struggling restaurant sector is also hoping to benefit from the “panda economy”. Simon Wong, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, told Metro Radio that panda-themed meals and beverages could help rejuvenate the industry, which has been experiencing around 300 restaurant closures each month.
This approach mirrors the success seen in other countries. For instance, Everland Park in South Korea reported its highest-ever first-quarter revenue this year, prior to the giant panda Fu Bao’s return to China. Visitor numbers have increased by 20% year over year, a spike attributed to Fu Bao’s popularity. The surge benefited not only the park but also nearby businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and retail shops.
Ocean Park itself is also gearing up for the reopening of “Giant Panda Adventure”. On Sept. 20, the park announced the winners of vouchers for stewed pork trotter and ginger in sweet vinegar, a traditional dish to celebrate newborns in Chinese culture, with the newborn panda cubs featured on the voucher.
Ms. Zhang, a mainlander who has lived and worked in Hong Kong for 10 years, didn’t win the giveaway but decided to visit the park the next day to purchase the dish. “I didn’t know the panda exhibit was closed, so I just peeked at the entrance and left,” Zhang said. She ended up buying an annual pass specifically to visit the pandas regularly.
Zhang noted that she had planned to get the pass ever since learning about Beijing’s gift of the pandas. “The birth of the twins was an even more joyful bonus,” she said. So far this year, she has traveled eight times, seeing pandas in cities across South Korea, Japan, and mainland China, with three more overseas trips planned.
“Those trips were all solely focused on visiting pandas,” Zhang added. “Every time I see them, I can’t help but smile. All my worries just disappear.”
“Panda Economy” or Pandemonium?
Not everyone is convinced that the pandas will be a game-changer for Hong Kong’s tourism industry. Self-proclaimed “panda superfan” Ms. Lee, 27, who says she is willing to “spend all her money on pandas,” believes Hong Kong has yet to demonstrate the marketing prowess needed to capitalise on this opportunity.
“They post too little on social media, and the updates are infrequent. The content looks outdated, like it was shot by someone unfamiliar with modern technology,” said Lee.
Lee expects the park’s panda account to post at least one video per day, comparing the “panda economy” to the fan-driven economy of K-pop idols. “Pandas are like ‘idols you cultivate’ (養成系偶像)—fans need to see them grow and develop over time. Consistent updates are key to building and maintaining fan loyalty,” she added.
Hong Kong’s official panda Instagram account (@pandahk_official), established just last month, currently has around 77,400 followers. In contrast to a fan account for Fu Bao, a popular panda in South Korea (@yambao_07), has more than twice the followers of Hong Kong’s account. With stiff international competition from destinations that also feature pandas, Hong Kong’s pandas may have to work harder to stand out.
Experts also caution against relying solely on pandas to drive tourism recovery. Mike Rowse, a Hong Kong resident for 48 years and a former government official, said that pandas are only a welcome addition. He emphasised that mega-events, sports tournaments, and large entertainment spectacles are what will ultimately drive visitor numbers back to pre-pandemic levels.
Hong Kong has its sights set on major global events, with the Kai Tak Sports Park scheduled to open in 2025, potentially hosting the Rugby Sevens and other international competitions.
Beijing’s Ambition
Many believe the timing of the pandas’ arrival reflects deeper symbolic ties between Hong Kong and mainland China.
The Chinese central government’s gift of pandas has long been seen as a diplomatic tool. In keeping with this tradition, the recent gift aligns with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s goal of taking Hong Kong “from stability to prosperity,” a vision articulated after the 2019 protests and the implementation of national security laws.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee expressed his gratitude to the central government, saying, “The gift of the giant pandas once again demonstrates the central government’s care and support for Hong Kong.” Lee emphasised the significance of the gift this year, marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Beyond the immediate boost to tourism, the pandas are part of a broader narrative being shaped by Beijing to reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a bridge between mainland China and the global community.
On Tuesday, China’s central bank announced strong stimulus measures, which led to a three-day rally in Hong Kong stocks. The surge reflects the economic confidence that ties Hong Kong’s fortunes to China’s broader policy measures.
As the National Day celebrations and related events unfold, the success of the ‘panda economy’ and the broader measures taken by Beijing will soon be tested, revealing whether these efforts can deliver lasting economic recovery for Hong Kong.
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