Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office director Linda So said on Thursday that the government chose Yin Kong and Ho Sheung Heung villages for its rural tourism pilot scheme due to their proximity to the mega development project, natural attractions and transport links.

Her remarks came after authorities rolled out a pilot scheme to relax development restrictions on village houses in Yin Kong and Ho Sheung Heung, allowing owners to convert them into restaurants, guest houses or shops to drive development of rural tourism.

Speaking on RTHK's Backchat programme, So said Yin Kong and Ho Sheung Heung were chosen for pilot runs due to the infrastructure buildup and ensuing increasing transportation options cropping up around them.

"Why we've chosen these two pilot areas is because we are now developing the new development areas nearby so a lot of infrastructure has already improved and that will also benefit the villages just right next to the new development area," she said.

So also pointed out that their proximity to the new development area and natural attractions made them more attractive as destinations for locals and tourists.

"Both of them [the two pilot areas] are very near to Kwu Tung North so a lot of new developments are happening, and they are also very close to the Long Valley Nature Park and other natural attractions," she said.

"So that means the two places are attractions for locals and people to come over to stay to have a cup of coffee, enjoy a delicious meal or stay a night or two."

So said the necessary planning work is scheduled to begin in the next few months and that authorities will consider expanding the scheme to other village-type development zones in the future depending on its effectiveness.

The chairman of the Legislative Council's development panel, Andrew Lam, said other infrastructural development needs such as parking and sewage systems need to be taken into account in coping with the increasing accommodation supply in the area and emphasised that the government should facilitate their development.



Edited by Thomas McAlinden