In a sense, overtourism is a happy problem. But in many places, an excess of visitors flooding various corners of the living areas of local residents has been deemed as disturbing, causing friction with locals and prompting governments to regulate the flow of visitors in one way or another. Hong Kong is no exception. 

One episode saw a massive influx of mainland visitors snapping up daily necessities, in particular baby milk powder, in the city in the early 2010s had caused tension between Hongkongers and mainlanders. The government enacted legislation to fix a quota on the quantity of baby milk powder for visitors to bring out of the city.

Against the background of a call from top Beijing officials to turn the slogan of “tourism is everywhere” into action in recent years, an arguably excess of tourism-boosting initiatives taken by the authorities have whipped up fresh controversies in the society.

◾The Peak plan

The latest case of its kind saw a plan to light up a popular walking trail at The Peak being greeted by dissenting voices, not applauses, even before the light show begins.

Under the plan initiated by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) , a new light show in daily evenings on part of the walking trail at The Peak will be held before 6 pm and 10 pm. The project was meant to be launched in winter as part of a new light show replacing the city’s decades-old “A Symphony of Lights” show on both sides of the Victoria Harbour. That show was terminated last month.

The Peak plan came to light after pictures of the installation of lights on trees and public spaces along the trail were posted on social media about ten days ago, triggering criticism and doubts in the media.

In response to concerns, HKTB said in a statement on Oct 18 they will “conduct broader consultation to review the overall arrangements of the project and refine its details, with a view to achieving a balance between tourism development, environmental protection and residents’ needs.” 

In a further sign showing they have no plan to turn off the lights, HKTB said they will announce the latest arrangements for the project in due course.

The semi-official tourism body said the launching of a project with lighting effects in the vicinity of Lugard Road and Harlech Road at The Peak was meant to add “new elements to The Peak’s attractions.”

Together with a new light show staged in conjunction with the “Hong Kong WinterFest”, replacing “A Symphony of Lights”, the initiative aims to further enhance the appeal of Hong Kong’s night-time tourism and showcase the city’s unique charm as an international metropolis.

◾Is The Peak the right place?

Just as the motif of “tourism is everywhere,” initiatives aimed to boost night-time tourism cannot be faulted. There’s no harm, at least on the face of it. Once coined as a “city that never sleeps,” the glamour of the bustling nightlife in places from Yaumatei, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mongkok in Kowloon to Wan Chai and Causeway Bay in Hong Kong Island has dimmed in recent years.

The contrast between walking trails on The Peak and the wining and dining and shopping outlets in those districts cannot be more obvious.

The surfacing of calls for a rethink of the light show at The Peak is hardly surprising. The case has underscored concerns about an excess of tourism initiatives that may cause more harm than good in making a more beautiful and charming Hong Kong.

It boils down to the question of whether or not artificial lighting effects should be installed on The Peak as at least one legislator has raised. It is not a question of how it should be done as the tourism officials are asking for comments from the various stake-holders, namely residents, district and legislative councillors.

Weighing in on the controversy, minister in charge of tourism Rosanna Law said the project was “not a piece of iron,” adding it could be “adjusted” taking into account the views of residents, the legislative and district councils and the public. “(We) hope to get an appropriate balance.”

Speaking after visiting the sites with briefings by tourism officials, legislator Judy Chan Ka-pui, who represents Hong Kong Island West geographical constituency, seems to remain unconvinced. She has earlier said the plan should be scrapped. Chan urged HKTB to rethink whether the light shows must be held at The Peak. She has a point.

It is crystal clear why trails at The Peak have become a natural attraction not just to residents there and citywide, but visitors. It is because of the air of tranquility and the peaceful environment, the trees and the views. By taking a tram or a bus or even walking in less than an hour, residents and visitors can take a break from the hectic city life. In short, it is one of the many faces of Hong Kong; it is part of a diverse Hong Kong.

If trails on The Peak need to be lighted up, it should be aimed to bring more comfort, convenience to trailers for them to enjoy the quiet and peace at the high place. If they are looking for glamouring colour and stunning lighting effects, they should be provided with a plate of choices in places such as the Victoria Harbour, the Central and the Kai Tak sports complex.

A rethink of the light shows at The Peak is needed. So is the approach to turn the idea of “tourism is everywhere” into action.

▌ [At Large] About the Author

Chris Yeung is a veteran journalist, a founder and chief writer of the now-disbanded CitizenNews; he now runs a daily news commentary channel on Youtube. He had formerly worked with the South China Morning Post and the Hong Kong Economic Journal.