Hong Kong Ultra-Marathon Founder Proposes Park Visitor Quotas

Andre Blumberg knows Hong Kong's trails better than almost anyone, and what he's seeing lately has him worried enough to speak up.

The founder of the Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge, a grueling 298km race across the city's most beautiful natural spaces, is proposing a reservation system for country parks during busy holidays. Recent scenes of overcrowding during mainland China's Labour Day holiday left him "quite disturbed."

"Hong Kong is really privileged to have these natural resources and country parks," Blumberg said at the Global Prosperity Summit this week. "I think it's really vital for us to preserve those areas."

His solution draws inspiration from successful models already working in the United States. Many American national parks use timed entry systems during peak seasons to prevent environmental damage while still welcoming visitors.

The timing couldn't be more relevant. Hong Kong has been pushing "tourism everywhere" to boost its economy, making nature-based activities increasingly popular. But that success is straining the city's environmentally fragile ecosystems.

Environmental experts have echoed Blumberg's concerns. They're calling for a comprehensive ecotourism policy led by a single authority, especially after witnessing the impact of golden week crowds on delicate trail systems.

The Bright Side

What makes this story hopeful is that it's not about closing parks or limiting access permanently. It's about loving these spaces enough to protect them for future generations. Blumberg isn't saying fewer people should enjoy Hong Kong's natural beauty. He's offering a practical solution that's already proven successful elsewhere.

Reservation systems can actually improve visitor experiences by reducing crowding, making trails safer and more enjoyable. Everyone wins when nature is preserved and people can still explore it.

Hong Kong's country parks are a rare treasure in such a dense urban environment. The fact that someone who dedicated his life to celebrating these trails through his ultra-marathon is now championing their protection shows real leadership.