Ocean Park ready to take on the world

Saudi Arabia and Shanghai want copy of HK attraction

Saudi Arabia and several mainland cities including Shanghai have expressed interest in building their own version of Ocean Park, according to a source close to the theme park.

The moves reflect keen international interest in the 30-year-old park, which has enjoyed growing attendance figures.

The park, home to Hong Kong's pandas, is undergoing an ambitious HK$5.5 billion facelift that is expected to further raise its profile.

A source said some private enterprises in Saudi Arabia and mainland cities such as Shanghai had expressed interest in building their own version of the park.

Saudi Arabia's consul-general in Hong Kong, Alaudeen Alaskary, confirmed the oil-rich country was studying the idea. "The talks are still at an initial stage," he said. "But Ocean Park is one of the most successful parks in the world. It is both amusing and educational."

Park chairman Allan Zeman might visit Saudi Arabia in January.

Mr Alaskary said such an undertaking would be financed by the private sector in both Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong and there was no need to speak to the government.

The country could also be interested in acquiring a stake in the Hong Kong park if it was open to outside investors, he said.

Investment-hungry Saudi Arabia, like Shanghai, is eager to upgrade its tourism infrastructure, spending billions of dollars to attract and develop first-class hotels and brand-name theme parks.

Both destinations are no stranger to theme parks and are home to local offerings - the Al-Shallal Theme Park in Jeddah and Jin Jiang Amusement Park in Shanghai - but want to capitalise on a successful brand name.

The Walt Disney Company, which has a theme park in Hong Kong, is eyeing Shanghai as the site of its first park on the mainland, as is Universal Studios.

According to the source, the likely financing structure of sister Ocean Parks outside Hong Kong would mirror the successful business model of Tokyo Disneyland.

Built and owned by Japan's Oriental Land, the Disney park pays a percentage of annual ticket sales and food and merchandise sales to Disney as a royalty fee to use its brand name and expertise.

"There is no need to use taxpayer money because we already have a proven business model in Tokyo Disneyland," the source said.

But Polytechnic University associate tourism professor John Ap said a potential stumbling block was the Ocean Park Corporation Ordinance, which restricts its sources of revenue to within the park.

Ocean Park has unsuccessfully lobbied the government for years to amend the law to allow it greater flexibility to seek outside sources of income, insisting its non-profit status would not be jeopardised.

Instead of relying mainly on admission fees, the park wants to be allowed to take on projects for paid services.

Ocean Park was founded in 1977 with Hong Kong Jockey Club funds.