Bangkok--May 17--Francom Asia
At the “Discover the Hong Kong Magic” tourism promotion recently held in Bangkok, Thailand, Mr. Henry Tang, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that over US$4 billion of government funds had been used over the past few years to develop tourist attractions that would help Hong Kong realize her vision in becoming the premier tourist destination in Asia.
“In 2004, visitor arrivals reached a record high of 21.8 million, as more and more people came to experience Hong Kong’s unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, our diversity and our dynamism,” he said.
“Hong Kong has long prided itself in being a cosmopolitan city with state-of-the-art infrastructure and world-class efficiency, a paradise for shoppers and connoisseurs alike.” Mr. Tang said, “With the new projects we are building, Hong Kong is set to go beyond our core strengths of fine dining and shopping, offering our visitors a full and diversified experience, especially for families.”
Prior to Mr. Tang’s speech, a vibrant multi-media presentation showcased the range of new tourism infrastructures that Hong Kong will offer in 2005/2006. For families, probably the most exciting event will be the opening of the Hong Kong Disneyland in September 2005. A Symphony of Lights II, to be launched in end 2005, will turn both sides of the Victoria Harbour into a kaleidoscope of colourful buildings at night. In 2006, the “Ngong Ping 360” Skyrail and related facilities will offer visitors with a 20-minute cable-car ride that comes with an exceptional panoramic view of the many attractions on Lantau, Hong Kong’s biggest and most beautiful Island. The Hong Kong Wetland Park located near the famous Mai Po marshes, will be a 60-hectare, world-class conservation, education and tourism facility.
Also speaking at the luncheon, Mrs Selina Chow, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said, “Because of these exciting new attractions, and the favourable macro economic environment for travel both to and within Asia, the HKTB has decided to propel our industry to even higher levels of achievement by launching our most ambitious global marketing and promotional initiative ever — 2006 Discover Hong Kong Year. This global campaign will package our new products with Hong Kong’s existing attractions, presenting an array of multi-dimensional offerings that will appeal to visitors from all our key markets and segments, and creating a new image for the city as one of the world’s ‘hottest’, must-visit destinations.”
Mr Don Robinson, Group Managing Director of the Hong Kong Disneyland gave a presentation at the luncheon. “Hong Kong Disneyland, the first Disney theme park in China, is part of the Hong Kong SAR Government's long term vision to enhance Hong Kong's reputation as a leading family vacation destination in the region,” said Mr Robinson. “When Hong Kong Disneyland opens on September 12 this year, it will offer guests of all ages a magical and immersive entertainment experience, that is destined to touch hearts and minds and inspire timeless family traditions for years to come.” His presentation was accompanied by a Disney show magical performance.
The “Discover the Hong Kong Magic” event in Bangkok is the first of four such presentations to be staged in Southeast Asia and Mainland China to promote Hong Kong tourism in our key markets. More than 250 guests from the Thailand tourism sector and media attended the luncheon presentation in Bangkok.
Headed by Mr. Tang, the 16-strong Hong Kong delegation includes Government officials, leaders of tourism industry and operators of new attractions. (Delegation list is at Annex).
The “Discover the Hong Kong Magic” tourism promotion will tour Beijing, Guangzhou and Singapore in May and June 2005.
For Further enquiries, please contact
Ms Vivien Cheong,
Assistant PR Manager
HKTB South and Southeast Asia Office
Tel: 65-6432-0110 or 65-9690-7861
Email: [email protected]
Ms Grace Ng, Assistant Director
(Public Relations)
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office
in Singapore
Tel: 65-6330-9332 or 65-9818-3732
Email: [email protected] End.