Ocean Park’s Water World Faces Uncertain Future
Ocean Park, a long-standing theme park in Hong Kong, has recently faced financial challenges that have put its Water World attraction at risk of closure. Despite being a relatively new addition to the park, which opened in 2021, Water World has struggled to turn a profit. According to the park’s annual financial statements, it recorded a deficit of HK$148.3 million in the year leading up to June 30. This figure was attributed to high operational costs and declining attendance.
The main park itself saw a surplus, but the Water World division has been unable to match that success. Paulo Pong, the chairperson of Ocean Park Corporation, has not ruled out the possibility of shutting down the water park. The park has attempted various strategies, including adjusting pricing and hosting events like DJ nights, but these efforts have not significantly boosted visitor numbers.
Water World faced an uphill battle from the start, opening during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The park experienced multiple closures due to strict health regulations, which severely impacted tourism. Even as restrictions eased, visitor numbers have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, the water park has struggled with lower attendance during cooler months, which is a common challenge for seasonal attractions.
To cut costs, Water World took a break from mid-October last year to mid-May this year, and it has been closed since October 15 this year. The park also faces competition from other water parks in the Greater Bay Area, such as Chimelong Water Park in Guangzhou and Studio City Water Park in Macau. Although these rivals are not explicitly named, their presence likely contributes to the challenges faced by Water World.
Despite these difficulties, Ocean Park has seen overall growth in revenue and visitor numbers for the fourth consecutive year. This increase is partly attributed to a rebound in tourism and the “panda effect.” The park is now home to six giant pandas, following the birth of panda twins in August 2024 and the arrival of two more pandas gifted by Beijing. Pandas have become a key part of Hong Kong’s tourism strategy, with officials promoting them as ambassadors for the city.
However, the financial struggles of Water World persist, even after a HK$2 million taxpayer bailout in 2021. The park continues to face operational challenges, and the future of Water World remains uncertain.
Legislative Council Elections and Political Developments
As the term of the current Legislative Council (LegCo) comes to an end, attention has turned to the upcoming December elections. With 23 lawmakers declaring they will not run, the focus is on Regina Ip of the New People’s Party (NPP). The NPP holds six seats in LegCo, and Ip’s decision to run or not is being closely watched. Rumors suggest that lawmakers aged 70 and above may be barred from running, which could affect Ip and Lai Tung-kwok, both of whom are over 70.
The NPP has also drawn attention for being the only party to support a government-sponsored same-sex partnerships proposal, which failed to pass. Meanwhile, lawmakers Michael Tien and Doreen Kong have announced they will not stand in the race. The political landscape is shifting, with new names emerging, such as Olympic fencer Vivian Kong, who is reportedly considering a bid for a seat in the New Territories North constituency.
Kong, who won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, has ties to pro-establishment groups and has participated in events organized by the Security Bureau. She currently works at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, though the club has not confirmed any related news.
State-backed Media Highlights LegCo Legacy
State-backed media has praised the outgoing LegCo, highlighting its achievements during the four-year term. Ta Kung Pao featured an interview with LegCo President Andrew Leung, who described the term as “extremely beautiful.” He noted that debates were efficient, with fewer instances of filibustering and unnecessary questions.
The newspaper also provided a summary of key statistics, including 135 meetings held over 1,246 hours, the passage of 124 government bills, and 1,890 written questions posed to officials.
National Games Countdown and Tourism Boost
Wen Wei Po reported on the countdown to the National Games, which will begin on November 9. Some events, including beach volleyball, will start earlier. The Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong expects over 100,000 visitors, including athletes, officials, and spectators.
Merchandise sales are expected to double, with popular items including mascot plush toys and “blind boxes.” Long queues have been reported at shops near West Kowloon Station and Kai Tak Stadium.
Personal Reflections and Farewells
Regina Ip’s Instagram posts often attract attention, particularly her final photo of the NPP lawmakers in the LegCo chamber. She expressed her commitment to serving citizens, saying, “I will serve until I return to dust.”
In another development, former pro-democracy district councillor Tiffany Yuen, released from prison in August, shared her reflections on adjusting to life outside jail. She described the challenges of reintegration and the emotional toll of her experience.
Saxophone Performance Marks LegCo’s End
On the final day of the LegCo term, lawmaker Lo Wak-kwok performed on a jewel-studded saxophone, playing a song that reflected on the challenges of the past term. He announced he would not run in the upcoming elections, marking a symbolic end to his tenure.
International News Highlights
- The Guardian: A Beijing courier became a bestseller after writing about delivering parcels.
- New York Times: A Chinese man who has never visited America is celebrated as a Trump-like figure.
- CNN: Domestic workers in Hong Kong face precarious conditions, with one misstep potentially leading to disaster.
- AP: A Chinese officer’s diary detailing D-Day was discovered in Hong Kong.