Hong Kong showcases giant pandas to boost tourism recovery

Hong Kong is showcasing its growing giant panda population to attract tourists. The city now has six pandas, including twins born in August, and aims to leverage this to boost its tourism sector, which has struggled post-pandemic. About 2,500 panda sculptures are displayed throughout Hong Kong, promoting a "panda economy" with themed products. Officials hope this will help revive tourism, which remains below pre-pandemic levels, with 37 million visitors from January to October 2023. Mainland Chinese tourists make up the majority of visitors, but spending has decreased due to China's economic slowdown. Some local residents express skepticism about the pandas' impact on tourism, suggesting Hong Kong should focus on its unique offerings instead.