Hong Kong’s six giant pandas are at the forefront of a desperate bid to revitalize the city’s flagging tourism industry, which has struggled to recover since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city’s economy is facing its biggest challenge in years due to China’s weakening economic outlook, which is significantly curbing spending by international visitors. To counter this, the Hong Kong government is leveraging the popularity of its panda residents through a range of creative initiatives, including sculptures, posters, and even a pyrotechnic drone show.
The giant pandas are being used as a symbol of hope for a city that has been struggling to regain momentum in the post-pandemic world. By showcasing its beloved animals, Hong Kong aims to attract visitors from around the globe and revitalize its tourism industry, which remains a significant contributor to the local economy.
Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-13/baby-panda-frenzy-is-hong-kong-s-big-bet-to-get-tourists-back