Over the past year, Hong Kong's tourism industry and the related sectors were seriously affected by protests against mainlanders staged by "localists". These radical and annoying activities not only stopped many mainland tourists from visiting, they also dampened the enthusiasm of many overseas visitors for Hong Kong. According to official statistics, the number of overseas tourists declined over the first nine months of this year. The biggest decrease was seen in Southeast Asia (-19 percent for Indonesia, -13.2 percent for Singapore and -8.1 percent for Malaysia). To stimulate tourism, the SAR government has launched a HK$10-million one-off matching fund to promote overseas tourism.

Hong Kong's tourism promotion campaign now focuses mainly on dining, entertainment or shopping. But important cultural aspects are missing. Indeed, in most of the big cities in the world - New York, London, Beijing and Taipei - the most important attractions are inevitably museums. They offer visitors a perfect platform to appreciate the cultural aspects of and learn something about the soul of the city. In discussing places of interest, we realize our city desperately lacks some high-profile museums to showcase our culture and traditions to overseas tourists.

Hong Kong is intrinsically inferior in natural wonders compared with many other tourist destinations in the world. However, we also have some great things in our favor. One advantage we have which is often neglected is that Hong Kong has many private collectors of Chinese antiques and cultural relics. These include some very precious items. It is a pity these private collections of antiques cannot be exhibited for the public to appreciate them due to an absence of suitable showrooms. Some people may doubt whether any of those private collectors would be willing to exhibit their treasures to the public. But as a lover of ancient Chinese artworks - ceramics and furniture in particular - I have had the good fortune to get to know many sophisticated collectors. They are more than willing to lend or even donate some of their collections for the public to see them and learn more about our culture.

I once offered to lend my own collection of antique treasures to the Hong Kong Museum of History. However, despite my good intentions and strong interest from the relevant authorities, the proposal was shelved. This was because of concerns over insurance, transport and security.

Interestingly, the Capital Museum in Beijing once asked me for some Chinese ceramics to display in an antiques exhibition. They arranged to protect and transport the works. They provided me with round-trip airline tickets to attend the opening ceremony. They also sent me the related publications after the event. The two episodes are contrasting indeed.

In the 20th century, our country suffered from invasions by foreign countries, during which the most valuable and precious antiques and cultural relics were stolen or damaged.

But through auctions and private purchases, many Hong Kong collectors are determined to buy as many of these treasures as possible and bring them back.

If I could assume there is sufficient support from the SAR government, a high-profile museum with ancient Chinese artworks should be opened to the public. It would certainly boost Hong Kong's tourism industry. It would be different from other traditional attractions in the city. It would also be beneficial in promoting culture and educating people. It would not only be good news for tourists, but would also be a great opportunity for local teenagers to learn more about our country and its culture.

(HK Edition 12/14/2015 page9)