Hong Kong’s Christmas and New Year celebrations are one of the most exciting and fantastic in Asia. To attract visitors to the city during the festive winter season, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is staging the Hong Kong Winterfest program from 29, November, 2010 to 2, January, 2011. The HKTB is not only allocating more resources for publicity in the source markets, but also using creative promotions to showcase the city’s myriads of festive lights and colorful displays, as well as its high-spirited fusion of celebrations.
Mr James Tien, the Chairman of HKTB said, “This year, we have registered remarkable growth in our city’s tourism. To sustain the growth momentum, we have allocated close to HK$24 million for our winter promotions in the source markets, at least 20% more than last year. Out of this amount, 80%will be spent on the Mainland and other short-haul markets. We are hopeful that the total yearly arrivals will reach a new high.”
Hong Kong has long been famous for its visual treats during the Christmas and New Year season, when the city glistens with brightly illuminated displays on both sides of Victoria Harbour. As the festive season approaches, major attractions, shopping centers and dining districts roll out all kinds of special promotions and programs, conjuring up a festive atmosphere in the city. This year, the focal point will once again be the Christmas tree, with several of these designed in different themes and with different materials erected in various parts of Hong Kong, which are set to become the subjects of visitors and residents’ photographs. As a finale of the celebrations, the HKTB will stage the world-famous New Year Countdown Celebrations, bringing the year to a spectacular close.
The HKTB is already working with travel trade in Mainland China and various overseas markets to launch Christmas-themed packages. The HKTB hopes that the coverage will encourage even more travelers to spend their winter holidays in the city.