Government mulls Avenue of Stars enhancement

The avenue is among the top 10 Hong Kong’s top tourist attractions.

More local movie stars’ handprints will be installed at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So says, adding other enhancements are planned for this popular tourist site.

Responding to a lawmaker’s query at Wednesday’s Legislative Council meeting, Mr So said the Government had taken notice of a global media report that had listed the avenue as one of the world’s 12 worst tourist traps for focusing on souvenir sales and lacking comfortable rest areas.

After discussions with the Tourism Commission, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Avenue of Stars Management Company, the Government will consider providing more resting facilities along the promenade. It will also explore the possibility of installing more floor plaques with handprints of local movie stars.

Control of illegal hawkers and mobile stalls will be tightened, Mr So said, to avoid disturbances to visitors.

The avenue may also be more brightly decorated during major festivals, according to a government report.

The Avenue of Stars was developed in 2004, with floor plaques with handprints and autographs of Hong Kong's movie stars and a sculpture of Kung Fu legend Bruce Lee. According to regular tourism board visitor surveys, the avenue is ranked among the top 10 tourist attractions in Hong Kong.