Hong Kong authorities are exploring introducing a real-name reservation system for a popular hiking trail in Sai Kung to curb overcrowding.
Speaking at a Legislative Council (LegCo) panel meeting on Monday, Dianne Wong, undersecretary for environment and ecology, said the registration system could prevent excessive arrivals in Po Pin Chau Section at Sai Kung’s East Dam during holidays, allowing better management of visitor flow and prevention of overcrowding.
Po Pin Chau, located in the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, is known for its scenic views and has become a tourist hotspot, especially among mainland Chinese visitorswho flock to the site in large numbers during the Golden Week holidays.
On New Year’s Eve, a 21-year-old tourist from Guangzhou fell to his death after falling from a 70-meter cliff into the sea at Po Pin Chau. according to for local media.
Wong said on Monday that authorities had taken crowd control measures in recent months, such as banning people from entering the Po Pin Chau walking trail when the number of visitors reached capacity.
But having to ask visitors to queue is not ideal for promoting eco-tourism in the city, Wong said, adding that a real-name registration system could limit arrivals and avoid overcrowding during peak hours.
“In the future, (tourists) will only come if they have made a reservation, which will be better for managing their expectations,” Wong said in Cantonese.
Lawmaker Kitson Yang expressed concern about potential abuses of the registration system, such as people asking for money or not showing up.
He suggested that authorities consider drawing lots for registrations and paying a deposit that would only be returned if visitors showed up after securing a seat.
Wong said the real name system should address the issue of no-shows as the government would adopt “appropriate measures” for offenders, but added that the government would study the possibility of a ballot.
Sharp Island will be designated as a marine park
Speaking at the same LegCo panel on Monday, Fabia Tam, undersecretary for environment and ecology, said the authorities also planned to designate coral zones located on the eastern and western sides of Sharp Island of Sai Kung as a marine park.
The proposed site spans about 63 hectares, Tam said.
According to the city’s Marine Parks Ordinance, the designation will strengthen legal protections for wildlife and the marine ecosystem in the area.
Monday’s proposal comes after over-tourism caused environmental damage to Sharp Island during China’s National Day Golden Week in October, with some tourists seen trampling coral and digging up marine life.
According to a policy briefing submitted to LegCo, the statutory determination process is expected to be completed by mid-2027.
Wong said that before the marine park designation is finalized, the government will continue it crowd management measures and educational campaigns to promote “sea-friendly” behavior for visitors to Sharp Island.
