Hong Kong Tourism Board
In 1996, the Hong Kong Tourism Board conducted a survey of tourists visiting Hong Kong. The survey suggested that many of the tourists thought Hong Kong was lacking in cultural opportunities. The Hong Kong Tourism Board made a suggestion to LegCo in 1998, proposing that new venues for the arts and cultural events be established. In the Chief Executive's Policy Address of 1998, then Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa proposed the establishment of the West Kowloon Cultural District, endevouring to develop Hong Kong not only as a commercial centre but cultural hub for all of Asia. Since then, the focus of discussion has centred around benefits to local residents, both culturally and economically.