Opinion | Panda fever in HK: Turning popularity into economic success

The central government's gifted giant pandas, "An An" and "Ke Ke," made their official debut yesterday (Dec. 9) at Ocean Park in Hong Kong, attracting large crowds of locals and tourists eager to meet the national treasures.

The pandas' arrival symbolizes the central government's blessings for Hong Kong's prosperity and development, reflecting its trust, support, and care for the city.

Hong Kong is encouraged to leverage this gift by developing a "panda economy" that aligns with local characteristics, drawing inspiration from successful examples in mainland China and abroad.

This initiative could bring significant economic benefits while positioning giant pandas as ambassadors for cultural and tourism exchange, enhancing Hong Kong's global cultural presence and influence.

Giant pandas, a first-class protected species in China, are considered a national treasure. Since Hong Kong's return to China, the central government has gifted the city six pandas, making Hong Kong the region outside mainland China with the highest number of pandas. Loved by the public, they have become Ocean Park's most popular attraction, bringing joy to generations of Hong Kong residents and creating fond memories.

Reviving Tourism with "Panda Fever"

As a world-renowned tourist destination, Hong Kong's tourism industry has faced challenges in recent years due to travel and consumer behavior shifts. The arrival of these two pandas has sparked a new wave of "panda fever," injecting fresh vitality into Hong Kong's tourism sector.

By creating opportunities for a "panda economy," the central government provides Hong Kong with new avenues for economic growth. Effectively transforming the pandas' immense popularity into significant economic benefits is a key task for the government, tourism industry, and related sectors.

Building a Unique Panda Brand for Hong Kong

Hong Kong should create a distinctive "panda brand" that represents the city to maximize the pandas' impact.

Successful examples, such as Chengdu's panda "Hehua," Japan's "Xiang Xiang," and South Korea's "Fu Bao," demonstrate how pandas can achieve celebrity status, attracting widespread attention and admiration from locals and international visitors alike. 

Hong Kong can learn from these examples by tailoring pandas' personalities into unique mascots and developing a panda-themed IP industry. This could include cultural products, panda-themed restaurants, eco-tours, and even hotels, creating significant revenue streams for various industries while boosting Hong Kong's overall economy.

Integrating Panda Culture into the Community

The potential of the "panda economy" extends beyond tourism, encompassing culture, education, research, and environmental protection.

Hong Kong should integrate panda-themed exhibitions and activities into its districts, combining them with local culture, history, and tourism to create meaningful experiences that resonate with residents and visitors alike.

By innovating while preserving traditions, Hong Kong can highlight its unique identity and attract global interest.

Showcasing Hong Kong Through Panda Ambassadors

Finally, Hong Kong can use its role as an international cultural exchange hub to share its story and China's through the pandas.

Leveraging new media platforms such as live streaming and short videos can amplify the pandas' popularity, converting "panda fever" into long-term cultural and economic benefits. By making giant pandas ambassadors of goodwill, Hong Kong can strengthen its cultural soft power and enhance its global influence.

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