Bangkok--17 Nov--HKTB
This festive winter, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will once again put together a basketful of special programmes for visitors and local residents under its “Hong Kong WinterFest” promotion. Running from 25 November 2011 to 1 January 2012, the focal points of the celebrations will be the popular tourist districts of Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, where dazzling lights, themed decorations and fun activities are going to bring visitors a memorable winter experience during the peak travel season.
On this delightful promotion, HKTB Chairman Mr James Tien said: “Through the years, Hong Kong has gained an international reputation for its colourful Christmas celebrations. In fact, CNN.com has selected our city as one of the 10 best destinations for spending Christmas holiday. As we roll out ‘Hong Kong WinterFest’ for the 10th year, we are excited to set up Christmas attractions and decorations in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui with the support of our sponsors. Together with the celebratory activities in other parts of the city, these are going to increase Hong Kong’s appeal as a winter destination.”
Mr Tien continued: “According to the HKTB’s provisional data, visitor arrivals to Hong Kong already exceeded 34 million in the first 10 months of this year, which is 10.6% more than the same period last year. We are confident that through intensive promotion of ‘Hong Kong WinterFest’ in the Mainland and other markets, the growth momentum will sustain in the remaining months of 2011, helping us achieve our target of 40 million arrivals this year.”
Ms Diana Hui, Managing Director (Hong Kong & Macau) of Tiffany & Co, sponsor of “A Holiday of Tiffany Treasures” in Central, said: “Christmas is the time for friends and family to share the magic of gifts giving. This year, we are delighted to be part of ‘Hong Kong WinterFest’. Through a series of entertainment and activities, we hope that people will have an enchanting and romantic Christmas with fundraising for Make-A-Wish? Hong Kong and enjoy ‘A Holiday of Tiffany Treasures’ with their loved ones.”
Mr Tommy Young, Associate Director of Sino Group, presenting sponsor of “Ice Wonderland” in East Tsim Sha Tsui, said: “Sino Group is honoured to present the ‘Ice Wonderland’, providing visitors and local residents with outdoor ice-skating experience in Hong Kong under the city’s famous Christmas lights in East Tsim Sha Tsui.”
The theme of the 10th “Hong Kong WinterFest” is “Love Christmas. Love Hong Kong”, which underlines not only cheerful celebrations, but also the spreading of love through charitable causes. The two key promotions are:
1) Central: A Holiday of Tiffany Treasures
Sponsored by Tiffany & Co, the centrepieces will be an 18-metre tall Christmas tree and a fairytale-inspired carousel at Statue Square in Central. There will also be a photo booth for capturing precious Christmas memories, customised Tiffany & Co postcards and stamps for sending seasonal greetings to friends and families, a candy cart, as well as glistening decorations and special programmes.
Part of the proceedings generated, after deducting operational costs, will go to Make-A-Wish? Hong Kong to help make the wishes of children with serious medical conditions come true.
2) East Tsim Sha Tsui: Ice Wonderland
Presented by Sino Group Limited, the Ice Wonderland at the UC Centenary Garden is set to further enhance the festive ambience of East Tsim Sha Tsui, which has long been famous for its signature Christmas lights. In addition to the visual treats from festive motifs and special snow effect, visitors and local residents can enjoy the fun of ice-skating in the Ice Wonderland, while the surrounding Christmas lights will provide a perfect backdrop for memorable holiday photos.
Admission to the venue is free. Part of the income generated from rental of skating equipment will go to Hong Chi Association, spreading the seasonal joy to those in need.
Besides promotions in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, “Hong Kong WinterFest” highlights the timely events launched by local attractions, including Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong and Ngong Ping 360, as well as travel itineraries and special offers by the travel trade and mega shopping malls respectively.
Meanwhile, the HKTB has been actively promoting “Hong Kong WinterFest” in different visitor source markets, targeting especially the family and young segments in the Mainland and the short-haul markets. To maximise exposure for Hong Kong, media representatives have been invited to experience and share with the global readers and audiences the city’s cosy Christmas ambience.
Photo Caption
HKTB Chairman Mr James Tien (middle) is joined by Managing Director (Hong Kong & Macau) of Tiffany & Co Ms Diana Hui (left) and Associate Director of Sino Group Mr Tommy Young (right) to kick-start the “2011 Hong Kong WinterFest” promotion.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Wandee Lerdsupongkit - HKTB Press Information Center
Tel. 02233 4329/30 Fax 02236 8030 Email:
[email protected]