Wong said the theme park is inviting private organizations to develop the upper park area around two the "healthy" and "adventure" themes. Attractions there are expected to charge for admission.

Ziplines and glamping are some of the attractions that suit the theme of "adventure."

The lower park will be developed into a free-for-entry area that provides retail and catering services.

Wong said the area will be different from a mall, as people can enjoy natural scenery and leisure activities.

About 600,000 square feet will be operated and built by developers under a build, operate and transfer model.

Wong said the model was adopted because the design of the park would affect operations and having developers be responsible for the building will mean more flexibility regarding operational needs.

"The park's capital investment will be reduced, so we can make use of private companies to help Ocean Park's complete its transformation," he said.

The park is leaning toward having one private firm develop the lower park area, while the upper park area could potentially be operated by multiple developers.

Wong said Water World is in its final stage of preparations and is expected to open in the summer. "We are currently hiring staff and training people.."

Meanwhile, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau Tang-wah said the tourism industry cannot expect to recover soon and that the sector is currently undergoing difficult times.

Speaking at the Hong Kong International Travel Expo, he said the sector should seize the opportunity to prepare and reorganize in a way that provides more unique local tours, as well as use more technology in business-related tourism to attract customers.

Hong Kong used to have 60 million visitors a year and no less than 150,000 a day, but present daily numbers are no more than 200.

The expo, held at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, ends on August 1.

About 100 exhibitors from 16 countries have joined the fair.