The Sars epidemic may have scared away the tourists, but it gave Hong Kong a new vigour to regain its tainted glory
ONE frequently hears of cities recovering from some natural disaster or the other after undergoing years of toil and trouble. But seldom does one see a city, as indeed we did, bouncing back to life so soon after receiving a major blow, as did Hong Kong.
With the outbreak of Sars in Hong Kong filtered into the global headlines, it was not surprising that the city that depended on tourism as its second major source of income — trading being its first — came almost to a standstill when the first Sars victim was detected in April this year. However, what is amazing is that in just three months, following the Sars outbreak, Hong Kong not only managed to exterminate the mysterious disease by June 22 and was subsequently removed from Who’s Sars list, but it actually emerged better off following its turbulent trial with nature.
While a lesser people might have buckled under the pressure of coping with a deadly virus on the one hand, and heavy negative media publicity on the other, the Hong Kong Chinese displayed grit and determination in the face of extreme adversity. All sectors — private, public and corporate — rolled up their sleeves. And the result is a squeaky clean Hong Kong that is offering unbelievable and enticing bargains to tourists, probably for the first time in its long history.
The stark difference is apparent from the minute you enter the sparkling, sprawling airport. The trains that take you from one terminal to another are spotlessly clean. The first airport in the world to carry out temperature screening for all incoming and outgoing passengers, it is continuing to maintain rigorous health precautions. Although passengers are no longer being physically screened, electronic temperature detectors have been installed, which beep in the event that they pick up an abnormal body temperature, in which case the passenger is sent to the hospital.
The city itself has become surprisingly clean and tidy. In fact, a fellow traveller told me that she can see the difference in cleanliness since her last visit six months ago. And no wonder! The government has imposed a hefty littering or spitting fine of $1600, which is being strictly enforced.
What’s more, so obsessed has Hong Kong become with its hygiene bug that there is hardly a place one can visit where there is no instant anti-bacterial hand gel inviting you to use it. Hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment spots all boast of it, and in fact, in Ocean Park — an amusement park — I couldn’t help noticing that they even had a disinfectant foot-mat at the entrance of its goldfish aquarium! The harbour too, has become very clean. And if one dares to compare it to our filthy Native Jetty, it appears heavenly. Another positive impact of Sars, particularly from the tourist view-point are the promotions and discounts that are now on offer by hotels and shopping centres alike, in order to attract visitors. Hong Kong has always been an expensive city and under normal circumstances, it is not the greatest of shopping places for prices tend to be expensive. However, thanks to Sars, there are discounts in most stores these days, some offering as much as 70 per cent off. So, even if one doesn’t feel that they have struck a goldmine, one doesn’t die of guilt when splurging in one of the numerous enticing outlets.
Similarly, hotels are offering packages such as ‘buy two nights - get one free’ and these promotions will continue till May next year. Airlines and cruise packages are also being offered. Although, while quite a few gimmicks are on-going till next year, one must also mention the far more aggressive and concerted efforts that have been made by the corporate sector, on a completely voluntary basis, since the Sars outbreak, in order to bring the economy on track.
For instance, The Hong Kong Tourism Board had introduced a ‘Welcome Passport’ for visitors, that was valid till September 30, with value-added offers, special gifts and discounts on tours, attractions, dining facilities and shopping. It had also organized a Super Draw for residents and visitors alike, with a view to spurring a spending spree in Hong Kong, offering prizes as tempting as airline tickets worth HK$2 million. Last date for the draw’s entry September 30, which also marked the end of the welcome months initiated to boost tourism.
Moreover, one could shop at one place, and use the bill to avail of a discount, say, an eating joint, thereby encouraging consumerism in the most unique manner.
And as if all this was not enough, Hong Kong has still got a lot on its cards. As an icing on the cake, a series of mega-events have been arranged from the middle of August until end of March 2004. Showcasing the city’s energy and vibrancy, a new event is to be added every month to the already scheduled cultural extravaganzas that take place every year so that no matter which month of the year one visits Hong Kong, there is something to look forward to.
But probably, more important than anything else, one notices that there is a definite improvement in the general attitude. Till recently (read before Sars) Hong Kong was notorious for its obnoxious sales people. The more high-end the store, the more snooty were its sales assistants, more so towards people from our part of the world. Now, however, there is a noticeable difference, and while the lower-end stores may still offer the occasional tight-lipped service, by and large the better shops have improved their act.
The one thought that tormented me the most when I was leaving Hong Kong was ‘What if Pakistan had faced a similar situation?’ Hong Kong has displayed such a spirit of solidarity and cohesiveness that collectively they have pulled through a disaster and turned it into their strength. All we have been able to do in our times of distress is turn a blind eye — take the oil spill as a glaring recent example — and follow a policy of ‘Each man for himself’. More than leaving me overawed by the heroic measures that Hong Kong has taken to revive its economy, my recent trip has left me with a sense of our own inadequacy.
The Sars epidemic may have scared away the tourists, but it gave Hong Kong a new vigour to regain its tainted glory 
