Periscope

“Water” will be the theme of this series of revitalizations. Courtesy of Ocean Park

New management insight

Remoulding Ocean Park

By Rachel Yip

Last year, Ocean Park experienced a remarkable turn after years of financial loss.

In 2003, the Government called on Allan Zeman, also known as the “Father of Lan Kwai Fong”, to remould the aging establishment.

After Mr. Zeman ran the park, the number of visitors rose to 4.1 million, which was the second highest in its 27-year history.

Despite the sound achievements Ocean Park witnessed last year, it cannot slacken its efforts. Another challenge is coming up in September 2005 – the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland.

To increase the competitiveness, a series of major revitalizations will be launched in Ocean Park in the coming years.

According to Mr. Zeman, he aims to remake the park into a world-class theme park focused on marine life. “Water” will be the main theme.

“Our mission is to keep the old park people are comfortable with, and add value to it,” he said, “It's like giving a face lift to an old lady, redo her body, and make her more attractive.”

In the expansion plan for Ocean Park , the 1.5km long cable car system will remain. However, the cable cars have to be closed in bad weather and visitors can only go to the upper part by buses which wheel around the park outside on the main road.

Therefore, in the proposal, there will be a train called “Funicular” that goes through the mountains. It will only take three minutes to travel from the lowland to the headland. This will also benefit the elderly and the disabled who are not able to ride on cable cars.

With the success of introducing the star pandas “An An” and “Jia Jia” to Ocean Park , a greater variety of animals will be brought into the Park. They will mostly be sea animals, such as killer whales, penguins and polar bears.

To accomplish the Park's mission of providing education and entertainment, interactive shows will be performed where the audience can both learn and have fun.

Three hotels will be constructed in these areas. At the entrance, there will be a “sea-world” hotel. In the middle of the mountain, the Park will erect the first spa resort hotel in Hong Kong , overlooking the panoramic view of Aberdeen harbor. A fishermen's wharf hotel will also be built in the location where Little Kingdom is now. This hotel will start off the fishermen's wharf area along Aberdeen . The idea of building hotels is to allow and encourage visitors to stay longer, according to Mr. Zeman.

Other existing components of t he Park such as restaurants and souvenir shops will also be upgraded. In March 2005, Ocean Park will take the food in hand and manage the quality itself.

“We provide entertainment to all our visitors, and entertainment does not only mean thrilling rides only,” said he. “Visitors spend a day in the park, and we want to give them good food, excellent shops and great fun.”

But he refused to give the estimated budget for the redevelopment.

“It's still a secret,” he smiled, “The managing team and I will have a meeting in the coming months. We will hold a press conference where we will present the details.”

However, Mr. Zeman revealed his goal for the investment. “Currently, 80% of the Park's revenue comes from the entrance fee. This is too dangerous,” he said, “What I hope to work towards is 50% from the admission, 25% from food and beverages, and 25% from the merchandisers. My experience suggests this key to every business.”

Mr. Zeman feels confident and comfortable about the investment. “It is definitely a sound one and I am sure that we will reach our goal. The financial team estimated conservatively that the investment will pay itself back in about ten years time,” he said.

Last year, half of Ocean Park 's visitors were from the mainland. Mr. Zeman stressed that the transformed Ocean Park will not only focus on the mainland visitors.

“Although the mainland tourists are increasing, the locals are equally important. We tend not to give special attention to particular visitors. Ocean Park is a package for everyone.

“I hope that the transformed park will provide visitors with unbelievable experiences. We will try to make Ocean Park the best sea-world theme park, and I believe it has the potential to be number one,” said Mr. Zeman confidently.

The press once reported that the sea-horse sign of Ocean Park would be removed in the future. He emphasized: “The sea horse sign will always stay. It is the witness of Ocean Park 's historical change. I would never take the sign away.”

"Ocean Park is unique."

Ivy Lau visited Ocean Park on 20 th January 2005 with her family. She found the trip enjoyable. Usually she goes to the park once a year. She said that she would continue visiting the park after the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland.

“I think there is no direct competition between them. Disneyland is an amusement park while Ocean Park is educational,” she said.

Her mother, Ms. Lau, said that they went to Disneyland in Tokyo in 2000. She thinks that Disneyland is not suitable for children.

“Their rides are too exciting for young kids. Ocean Park is different because it is a park where children can learn through playing,” said Ms. Lau.

Ms. Lau looks forward to renewalof the park. She said, “If the price is fair, I will try the hotel facilities.”

On the same day, a couple from London , Tony and Tricia Mulhall, visited Ocean Park in the afternoon. It was their third time going to Ocean Park .

Their favourite in the park is the pandas, rarely seenin other countries.

They have been to Disneyland in Florida . “ Disneyland is designed to make you spend money. There is a souvenir shop at the exit of each ride,” said Mr. Mulhall. “However, Ocean Park is a mixture of rides and animals. Visitors learn more coming out of the park. It is unique.”

Tony and Tricia Mulhall, visited Ocean Park for the third time. Rachel Yip