A trip to Aberdeen

We all craved the taste of travelling in the not-long-ago pandemic. Luke Tam, Project Director and
Direction of Kaifong Tour, found that long-distance running is an excellent way out of the
frustration as a form of training of the body and mind during the unsure, challenging period. He ran
from his home in Cheung Sha Wan to Aberdeen in the Southern District with a single question in his
head: ‘What is the true meaning of travelling? This simple yet essential question marks the start of
The Fisher Project’.

That was the day Luke faced the urge to leave the familiar neighborhood and relax in a far and
unexplored area, just like going on a trip. ‘When I got to Aberdeen, my mood changed instantly - I
felt joyful. The harbor view there was so relaxing and I want to discover more about this
neighbourhood.’ The genuine curiosity sparked again inside Luke’s heart as if he were visiting a new
country.

It did not take a long time for Luke to come to a conclusion that Aberdeen is such a fascinating place
to visit. ‘Besides the pleasant environment, the people there are also quite interesting. I wonder how
the fisherman catch fish. What kinds of fish are inside the large blue buckets that they push around
onshore? Where do they sell them?’

Everything about Aberdeen occupied Luke’s thoughts. Meanwhile, an opportunity came timely. The
Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
was open for applications, targeting projects for the development of recreational fisheries in the
Southern District. This was the moment that Luke had been waiting for.\

‘Because of the pandemic, the travel pattern of Hongkongers changed. We enjoy local exploration
more and have discovered many characteristic spots since. Aberdeen is a neighborhood rich in
fisherfolk culture and established the foundation of recreational fisheries. So how can I contribute to
the industry, to improve the quality and promotion of the existing recreational fishery experience
activities, to the point that they become popular options of travelers?’

Inheritance of Fisherfolk Culture

There are many activities for tourists in the Southern District (including Aberdeen, Ap Lei Chau,
Lamma Island, etc), such as theme parks and hiking trails, but just a few are water-based adventures
focusing on the fisherfolk culture. Like realized a significant turning-point could be in front of him.
‘ A unqiue and in-depth experience is what makes a trip fulfilling and memorable. The feeling linger.
People would want to repeat the experience and recommend it to others.’

The Fisher, a project launched by Luke, aims to bring memorable traveling experiences to all
participants. The goal of the project is to provide diverse experience programs that collaborate with
the stakeholders in the Southern District for the general public to interact personally with the
fisherfolk community.

‘People may question the importance of connecting with local fisherfolk. As a matter of fact,
fisherfolk culture is an exceptional element of Hong Kong culrure, and I believe we are responsible
for passing it on.’ Luke said.

With a clear vision of culture inheritance and developing recreational fisheries, Luke designed
activities that emphasize the involvement of the fisherfolk community in most of their fishery
experienec programs, including content design and tour guide.

To Luke, tourism is not only for leisure purposes but also an introduction to values, obligations and
extensive understanding of culture. ‘The Fisher’s fishery experience program are eld by tour guides
from the fisherfolk community. I have listened to their personal stories and life journeys. They are
really touching and thought-provoking.