Would-be riders of Hong Kong’s iconic harbor-front Observation Wheel have been turned away disappointed for the past few days, leading to complaints being filed with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and concern among some netizens about the Ferris wheel’s future altogether.
The government said earlier this year that operation of the ferris wheel would transfer to another company by September. According to Apple Daily, the land lease as well as the license for “temporary places of public entertainment” held by Swiss AEX Holding Limited expired on Monday. However, the lease to new operator The Entertainment Corporation Limited does not go into effect until next month.
A sign stating “The Observation Wheel is closed today” has been up next to the landmark since Tuesday but provides no further details, while its official website had also been closed.
The Tourism Board yesterday said after learning of the sudden closure of the wheel from enquiring visitors, it had put up an announcement on its own website reminding tourists of the new arrangement. While seemingly chiding Swiss AEX for not notifying them of the closure, there was no explanation given as to how the Tourism Board would have been unaware of the lease’s pending expiration.
“The kids are very disappointed!” a woman identified only by her surname Wong, told HK01 yesterday. Wong said she had purchased nine tickets ahead of time, planning to take the ride with her children before the new school year begins, only to find it closed on consecutive visits.
Michael Wu, former chairman of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, criticized the operator and the government in Apple Daily, decrying their “irresponsible” handling of the situation.
Hong Kong’s Development Bureau, which is involved in all the city’s broader infrastructure issues, eventually became involved, later confirming that Swiss AEX has agreed to provide refunds to ticket holders. The ride’s official website has since been reopened and now contains a message telling ticket holders seeking refunds to send an email to refund@hkow.hk.
Under the terms of its lease, new operator The Entertainment Corporation Limited is required to run a ferris wheel at the same venue, according to Oriental Daily, though it is not bound to operate the same one.
The government has long been struggling to make use of the space along the Central Harbourfront because of its relatively inconvenient location and lack of public transportation nearby. Businesses launched there before, such as Sunday markets and carnivals with arcade machines and rides, have typically not lasted long.
“Even the Central Observation Wheel could not survive!” netizen Susue Chan lamented on her Facebook account. Others were less surprised by the development. “Told ya! The Ferris wheel wouldn’t be there forever!” said Facebook user Rockman Lok Man Choi.
While Swiss AEX, which constructed the Ferris wheel, would most likely offer to sell the ride to the site’s new operator, the government told HK01 it could not guarantee the tourist attraction will remain as it’s a deal between two private companies.
