Tourists and Local Citizens of Hongkong by Age

A market research was conducted in 2006 on the frequency and percentage distribution of the tourists and local citizens of Hong Kong by Age (Table 2). The study showed that out of the 456 tourists, most of them were aged 35-44 years old, or roughly 135 or 29.6%. This was followed by those who were 25-34 years of age, or about 123 or 27.0%. Then, the third category was those of 45-54 years old, or about 117 or 25.7. The least among the age groups were those aged 14 or below, consisting only 3 or 0.7% of the population. This could be understood within the premise that early teens aged 14 or below were too young to travel.

On the other hand, the survey also showed that majority of the frequency distribution was basically on 25 to 54 age range. Coincidentally, Wight in 1999b, Holland et al in 1998, and Meric and Hunt in 1998 supposed that ecotourists were characteristically within this age group. Although, this may also mean that the selected respondents of the study were matured enough to answer the survey questions. Obviously, they belong to the Adult group. However, notably, the figures indicated very minimal tourists and local citizens of Hong Kong belong to 14 or below age bracket. Apparently, the Hong Kong community catered to the matured tourists and local citizens.

Table 2: Frequency, and percentage distribution of the

Tourists and local citizens of Hong Kong by Age

Considering this selective nature of tourism spots, organizers must reckon with the benefits that this particular national activity may gain. Whelan in 1991, Boo in 1992, Buckley in 2004b, Kiss in 2004, Krugger in 2005, Tisdell and Wilson in 2005 supposed that ecotourism is an appropriate means for sustainable development, in addition to the commercial benefits, community development that may be in place and the environmental conservation techniques that may be evolved. Besides, Alcock et al in 1994 indicated that ecotourism is educational as the activity endows participants the reward of appreciating nature at its natural setting. Meanwhile, Lindberg in 1991 and Clifton and Benson in 2006 believed in similar concepts as the other advocates did, that ecotourism enhances conservation of natural resources, brings about environmental education to the visitors, and benefits the host communities financially.