The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) recently announced its 2008 summer promo dubbed Hong Kong Summer Temptations. The promo will run for an extended period from July 1 to September 21 this year and showcase Hong Kong’s summer appeal from a different angle. Together with a variety of events in town, visitors can explore endless fun and excitement that go beyond shopping and dining in Hong Kong.
HKTB Chairman James Tien said that with support from the travel trade, the HKTB has successfully branded Hong Kong as a summer shopping destination over the past few years. “Building on this platform, we aim to give the promotion a new twist this year and showcase Hong Kong’s summer experience in a different light,” he remarked. “By encouraging visitors to explore the city’s tourist attractions and participate in the special events and entertainment activities held in shopping centres and dining districts citywide, we hope that visitors - especially the young and family segments - will experience a fun-filled and fabulous summer in Hong Kong.”
To encourage visitors to explore the attractions and museums in Hong Kong, the HKTB will, for the first time, launch the “Explore Hong Kong Stamp Rally” programme as part of the summer promo. Under the program, visitors will be invited to explore 18 designated attractions and locations and collect corresponding stamps. Those with three stamps on their Stamp Rally Pass can redeem a gift – Wing Wah Sweety Delicacies Box-set – sponsored by Wing Wah Cake Shop.
Also extending full support for the HKTB is the MTR Corporation, which will help promote Hong Kong Summer Temptations along its extensive transportation network. Upon purchase of any MTR tourist product, visitors can get a free MTR Summer Temptations Tourist Guide featuring tips for exploring Hong Kong using the MTR. The guidebook will also include over 40 amazing offers from attractions and almost 700 different shopping and dining outlets, featuring free gifts, buy-1-get-1-free and cash discount offers valued over HK$10,000.
Another anchor programme will be the “Visa ‘Million Dollar’ Lucky Draw”. By actively promoting this program, the HKTB hopes that visitors and local residents will be given further incentive to spend during the summer sale period. For every HK$500 dollars spent in Hong Kong during the event period, Visa cardholders will be eligible for an entry upon registration at www.visa.com.hk. With unlimited entries allowed, the lucky draw offers prizes totalling to HK$1.2 million in value.
“Visa and the HKTB share the same vision of providing a fabulous travel experience for visitors,” said Mr James Dixon, Country Manager, Hong Kong and Macau, Visa International. “With Visa, travellers can make payment conveniently and securely for their experience in Hong Kong, such as dining at some of Hong Kong’s best restaurants, shopping in its world-class shopping malls or even attending the Equestrian Event that will take place in Hong Kong during the Olympic Games this August. As the Preferred Card of the Olympic Games, the benefits that Visa offers to visitors, especially those who come for the Games, will certainly enhance their travel experience in Hong Kong.”
To further heat up the ambience during the Olympic Equestrian Events, the HKTB will set up an Hong Kong Olympic Piazza at Hong Kong Cultural Centre (July 25 to Aug 24), where visitors can watch a broadcast of the Beijing Olympic events. There will also be exhibition panels on the Olympics, latest games update, as well as travel itineraries consultation services on site. In addition, the HKTB has put up the Olympic Rings at the harbourfront exterior of Hong Kong Museum of Art from May 1 until December 31, 2008, to reinforce the Hong Kong’s image as an Olympic co-host city.
Across Hong Kong, 12 shopping malls and department stores and nine food districts have already enrolled their participation in the Hong Kong Summer Temptations. As well as presenting a host of offers and privileges, some will organize special activities, such as entertainment shows and Olympic-themed exhibitions, further enriching visitors’ experiences. On top of the retail and dining sectors, over 50 hotels will extend special 3-Day, 2-Night room packages and complimentary offers, while local travel agents will introduce tours to outlying islands and Victoria Harbour.
Information about the special offers, activities and entertainment during the promotion period can be found at the dedicated mini-site created by the HKTB for Hong Kong Summer Temptations at www.discoverhongkong.com/hkst/eng/
