Nature Tourism in Hong Kong for the Mainland Chinese Market: A Study of Preference and Perception

10.6298/ILR.2017.6.4

Hoi Yan Chiu；Lawal M. Marafa；Chung-Shing Chan

Hong Kong ； ecotourism ； nature tourism ； perception and preference

International Leisure Review

6卷1期（2017 / 03 / 01）

48 - 69

英文

This paper seeks to explore the development potential of nature tourism among Mainland Chinese citizens with regard to their interest, preference and perception of natural attributes in Hong Kong. The results of an empirical study of a sample of mainland citizens (n=430) show that they exert certain degree of interest in participating in nature tourism in Hong Kong. Such interest in nature in Hong Kong demonstrates a major core cluster across the central and eastern provinces of China, while distance-decay pattern is absent. These potential nature tourists prefer going to places in association with sea views, and engaging in photo-taking, non-commercial activities and less artificial elements. The nature tourism attributes form two components among the respondents, which are related to aspects of education needs and relaxation, and nature-oriented and convenience. These aspects also imply a specific market potential for ecotourism development in Hong Kong.