Bangkok--19 Jan--Francom Asia
Cathay Pacific Offers Title Sponsorship for Another 3 Years
Hong Kong is ready to celebrate the Year of the Dragon in spectacular style with the International Chinese New Year Night Parade. Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) for the 17th consecutive year, the event will take place on the first evening of the Lunar New Year (23 January). This year, the parade has once again received the generous support of Cathay Pacific Airways, which has agreed to provide title sponsorship for another three years starting from 2012.
HKTB Chairman Mr James Tien said: “Each year, the celebrations galore in Hong Kong during the Chinese New Year draw visitors from near and far, who come to the city to experience the festivities. In recent years, the HKTB has bundled and packaged these events together and promote them to visitors. One highlight is certainly the International Chinese New Year Night Parade. Now in its 17th year, the event has become a fine tradition of our Chinese New Year celebrations, and has proved extremely popular with visitors and residents. The HKTB is immensely grateful to Cathay Pacific Airways for agreeing to be the title sponsor for another three years, so that we can continue to stage this signature event of Hong Kong.”
Mr John Slosar, Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific Airways said: “At Cathay Pacific we work hard to promote our home city overseas, and attractions such as the parade really highlight why Hong Kong is a fabulous place to visit. As Hong Kong’s home airline, we are happy and proud to work with the HKTB to welcome in the Year of the Dragon. The Chinese New Year Parade highlights everything that’s great about this city — it’s a vibrant, colourful and fun-filled event. And I am pleased that Cathay Pacific will remain as title sponsor for three more years — from 2012 through to 2014.”
Several New Performing Troupes
This year’s Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade will live out its theme “World City. World Party” with a total of 35 floats and performing groups from 12 countries and regions. Of the 12 international performing units, 11 are first-timers in the parade. They include the Saga Karatsu Kunchi Sea Bream Float from Japan, which has a history of more than 160 years, the Giant Butterflies “Teatro Pavana” from the Netherlands, dance troupes from the US, Russia and other parts of Europe, and the Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe of China established some 50 years ago.
Ten Stops for Floats and Performers along the Parade Route (January 23, 2012)
Embarking from Hong Kong Cultural Centre at 8pm, the parade will again go along Nathan Road to finally arrive at Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers. To allow better enjoyment of the event, the number of stops for the floats and performing groups has been increased to 10. Preceding the parade from 6.30pm, a line-up of performers, including jugglers, dancers, cosplayers and a marching band will entertain spectators along the parade route to heighten the party mood.
Time: 8 pm — 9.30 pm. Spectator stands open at 7 pm for ticket holders only.
Start the Year with a Bang at the Fireworks Display (January 24, 2012)
Thousands will line both sides of iconic Victoria Harbour on the Second Day of Chinese New Year to witness Hong Kong ushering in the Year of the Dragon with an astounding pyrotechnic display. Join them and start the Year of the Dragon with an awe-inspiring spectacle.
Time: 8 pm
Venue: Victoria Harbour between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui
Admission: Free
A Hong Kong Tradition (January 25, 2012)
Join the eager punters at the race track in what is a unique Hong Kong tradition. On the Third Day of Chinese New Year, local sports fans hope to kick off the new year with a winning wager.
Time: Admission from 10.30 am; first race begins at 12.30 pm
Venue: Sha Tin Racecourse, New Territories
Admission: HK$100 for Tourist Badge (with presentation of valid travel documents) with admission to the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Members’ Enclosure.
Join the Crowds on a Chinese New Year Fortune-seeking Trip
At Chinese New Year, it’s customary to give thanks for the past 12 months and pray for a good fortune in the coming year. Ones can join the huge crowds and make a pilgrimage to one of Hong Kong’s most popular deities during Chinese New Year at Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple or pay a visit at Che Kung Temple to spin the Wheel of Fortune to dispel bad luck and encourage good fortune.
Flower Markets Provide a Boost for the Senses
There is something magical about attending the New Year’s flower markets as locals go in search of the perfect auspicious blossom or plant for the home or office. You’ll be treated to a riot of colours and aromas, and the chance to mingle with the crowds as they engage in some quintessential holiday shopping. Most flower markets including 14 parks and playgrounds around Hong Kong such as Victoria Park in Causeway Bay and Fa Hui Park in Mong Kok, are open from noon until midnight and until the early hours of the next day on Jauary 23, 2012.
Be ready to welcome the auspicious year to come at Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year Festival and enjoy market promotions the HKTB has packed to offer from January 17 to 6 February 2012. Log on to www.discoverhongkong/chinesenewyear/en/index.html for further information.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Wandee Lerdsupongkit or Ms. Pattareeya Pakpachai - HKTB Press Information Center
Tel. 02233 4329/30 Fax 02236 8030 Email:
[email protected]