Stopover Hongkong, Städtereise Hongkong

Figures released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) today(29 November) show that visitor arrivals to Hong Kong rose by 16.4% year-on-year to 3,794,076 in October 2011, and by 16.2% to 34,217,497 in the first 10 months of 2011.

A spotlight of the 10th Hong Kong WinterFest organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Holiday of Tiffany Treasuresin Statue Square, Central was unveiled this evening (25 November) by HKTB Chairman Mr James Tien (second left), Vice President of Tiffany & Co Greater China Ms Rebecca Ip (first left) and representatives of Make-A-WishHong Kong, Miss Joey Yung (second right) and Mr William Chan (first right).

Ice Wonderland a spotlight of the 10th Hong Kong WinterFest organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) was launched tonight (23 November) at the UC Centenary Garden, East Tsim Sha Tsui by HKTB Chairman Mr James Tien (centre), along with Mr Tommy Young (left), Associate Director of Sino Group and Mr Carlson Li (right), Assistant General Manager of China UnionPay Hong Kong Branch, representatives of the presenting and major sponsors respectively.

In response to media enquiries about the New Year Countdown Celebrations, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has made the following statement:The HKTB has learnt from Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited and Henderson Land Development Company Limited earlier on that the two corporations will discontinue their cash sponsorship to the New Year Countdown Celebrations this year. Nevertheless, they will continue to offer Two ifc as the venue for the event.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (13 November) that overnight MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) visitor arrivals to Hong Kong within the first nine months of 2011 have reached a landmark of one million for the first time ever. The figure, which totalled 1,028,989, represented a-15.0% increase over the same period last year.

Early this morning (13 November), around a thousand local residents and visitors gathered in Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung for the launch of the reat Outdoors Hong Kong!campaign organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and co-organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).

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 ong Kong WinterFestpromotion.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (30 October) that the classic wine passes for the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade have been sold out.

At the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade tonight (27 October), the 2011 Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival was officially launched amid the smooth jazz tunes created by famous erhu-player Jessie Hou and local singer Mimi Lo. Their East-meets-West performances gave a rousing start to the four-day festival organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), which promises to be a feast of the world flavours.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board announced today (25 October) that visitor arrivals to Hong Kong reached 30,423,421 in the first three quarters of 2011, 16.2% higher when compared to the same period last year. In September alone, arrivals climbed up by 16.8% year-on-year to 3,187,091.

Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival will make its comeback to the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade from 27-30 October 2011. In its third year running, the event will feature some savoury new programmes, including the Spanish Night and the Japanese Night. A bigger Grand Tasting Pavilion will also be set up for oenophilesenjoyment in a spacious, classy environment.

Lantau Island the biggest island in Hong Kong holds more than unspoilt greenery, famous attractions, and multifarious cultural and entertainment options. Its diverse tourism offerings include also state-of-the-art convention and exhibition facilities, as well as hotel venues and shopping malls.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (26 September) that for the first time in record, visitor arrivals to Hong Kong surpassed 4 million in a single month, with arrivals in August reaching 4,065,761, a year-on-year growth of 17.7%. In the first eight months of 2011, visitor arrivals amounted to 27,236,330, a 16.2%-increase compared to the same period last year.

Five colourful flying dragons, each unique and representing Hong Kong spirit as Asia World City, have recently flown to South Molton Street in London. Landing on different sections of the upmarket pedestrian street, they belong to the ong Kong Live in London!promotion by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) that began on 12 September (Mid-Autumn Festival).

The Taipei office of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) officially opens today (6 September) to further develop the Taiwanese visitor source market.

This Mid-Autumn Festival, visitors and locals in Hong Kong will be able to appreciate not just the bright full moon, but also the world largest sculpture made from lanterns. This Guinness World Record-breaking installation at the ee Kum Kee Lantern Wonderlandin Victoria Park was officially lit up tonight (3 September) to mark the beginning of ong Kong Mid-Autumn Festivala seasonal mega event by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) that lasts until 13 September.

Like shoes, good things come in pairs! Today (31 August), the 2011 isa go Hong Kong Super Shoppercontest saw the birth of two winning teams Nicole Chen Lin and Celeste Chen Ping from Singapore, as well as Kim Hyo Youn and Yeom Jiah from South Korea. With savvy shopping skills, each team bagged not just their bargains, but also HK$200,000 in Visa spending credits.

To showcase Hong Kong unique festive culture, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is staging the ong Kong Mid-Autumn Festivalfrom 3 to 13 September this year. The highlight of this mega event is the ee Kum Kee Lantern Wonderlandin Victoria Park, which production cost is wholly sponsored by Lee Kum Kee.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (26 August) that Hong Kong saw its visitor arrivals go up by 22.4% year-on-year to 3,839,388 in July a new record for single-month arrivals. In the first seven months of 2011, visitor arrivals reached 23,170,569, an increase of 15.9% compared to the same period last year.

Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and co-organised by Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, the 2011 est of the Best Culinary Awardscooking contest was completed today (11 August) at the Chinese Cuisine Training Institute. The contest saw the finals of the egetableand icecategories, identifying the winners of the Gold with Distinction Award, Gold Award and Silver Award.

Today (10 August), the final competitions of the 011 Best of the Best Culinary Awardsfor the im sumand hick soupcategories were held at the Chinese Cuisine Training Institute. This large-scale cooking competition is organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and co-organised by Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (1 August) that overnight MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) arrivals to Hong Kong reached 725,779 in the first six months of 2011, a year-on-year increase of 10.3%.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (26 July) that visitor arrivals to Hong Kong in the first six months of 2011 amounted to 19,331,181. The figure represented a year-on-year increase of 14.7%, and is the highest half-yearly figure ever recorded. The month of June also saw robust growth, with arrivals increased by 15.9% to 3,035,222.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board announced today (27 June) that total visitor arrivals to Hong Kong in the month of May reached 3,230,028, a year-on-year increase of 14.7%. Between January and May 2011, visitor arrivals cumulated to 16,295,959, 14.5% more compared to the same period last year.

In further promoting quality services in Hong Kong and the city image as a world-class destination, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has organised the first-ever Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Merchant Awards. This new award programme recognises those QTS-accredited merchants who have rendered long-standing support to the QTS Scheme, as well as those who have demonstrated exceptional performances.

The second Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival jointly organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Association is brought to a successful close today (19 June).

This weekend, Tsim Sha Tsui East will witness many boisterous scenes! Just today (17 June), energetic dancing lions made adroit manoeuvres along the waterfront to kick-start the three-day Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival (17-19 June). A few blocks away, a 30-metre giant dragon boat, which may become the longest dragon boat in the Guinness World Record, was unveiled at the San Miguel Beer Garden in UC Centenary Garden.

Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Association (HKDBA) and supported by Mega Events Fund, the second Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival will be staged in Tsim Sha Tsui East for three consecutive days starting tomorrow (17 June).

Today (10 June), the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) unveiled the eaping Dragona 60.46-metre long 3D dragon boat painting at Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui. The trompe leil, specially created to promote the second Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival, has made it on the Guinness World Record list as the world longest anamorphic painting.

In Hong Kong, summer is not only the season of heat and energy, but also the perfect time to splurge, as the summer sale hails avid shoppers from around the world. This summer, there are even more reasons to come and spend in Hong Kong.

Figures released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) today (26 May) show that visitor arrivals to Hong Kong reached 3,357,960 in April 2011, a 20.1%-increase compared to the same month last year. For the first four months combined, total arrivals stood at 13,065,931, 14.4% ahead of the figure last year.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Cathay Pacific Airways announce today (17 May) their joint initiative DiscoverHongKong Mobile App Series one of the first smart phone travel application series in the world that makes use of the augmented reality technology.

Shrimp dumpling, or more commonly known by its Cantonese name ar gow is an important element on the dim sum table, loved by many visitors and folks in Hong Kong. To make a perfect shrimp dumpling, the wrappers need to have a chewy texture, while the fillings have to be cooked in the right temperature for just the right amount of time.

Millions of global travellers have voted Hong Kong as one of the top 10 travel destinations worldwide and the best in Asia in the 2011 TravelersChoiceDestinations awards by TripAdvisor the world best known and largest online travel site. Ranked alongside New York, London and Paris, Hong Kong is the only Asian city among the 10 best destinations.

The three-day Labour Day holiday period in Mainland China (30 April to 2 May) ended yesterday. Mr James Tien, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), has made the following remarks on visitor arrivals from Mainland China during this period:

Figures released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) today (29 April) show that in the first quarter of 2011, visitor arrivals to Hong Kong reached 9,707,971, representing a year-on-year growth of 12.6%. As for the month of March, arrivals rose by 13.9% over the previous year to 3,186,871.

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced that the next annual Asian Attractions Expo will be staged in Hong Kong, from 5 to 8 June 2012 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) welcomes the coming of this event, alongside the 2012 Junior Chamber International Asia Pacific Conference and the FDI World Dental Federation Annual World Dental Congress 2012.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced on 3 April that the Total Tourism Expenditure Associated to Inbound Tourism (TEAIT) in 2010 reached a historic high of HK$209.98 billion, 32.7% more than in 2009. Also showing increase was the per capita spending of overnight visitors, which surged by 16.6% to HK$6,728, while that of same-day, in-town visitors rose by 2.7% to HK$1,846.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (28 February) that visitor arrivals to Hong Kong in January 2011 rose by 21.5% year-on-year to 3,598,030. The growth was driven by increase in arrivals from the Mainland market, whereas the arrival figures of the long-haul and short-haul markets were at similar levels compared to the same period last year.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (27 February) that overnight MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) arrivals in 2010 made a leap of 22.8% year-on-year to 1,429,941. This number also represents a 22.5%-increase over the overnight MICE arrivals in 2008, before the global financial tsunami. Out of the 2010 total, 598,022 or 41.8% came from Mainland China, while 431,462 were from short-haul markets and 395,903 from long-haul markets.

Today (16 February), about 500 representatives from the travel, retail and catering sectors, as well as 400 local tertiary students of tourism-related programmes attended the 2011 Hong Kong Tourism Overview organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).

Mr James Tien, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), has made the following remarks on visitor arrivals from Mainland China during the Chinese New Year Golden Week (2 to 8 February).

In response to the recent confrontation between Mainland visitors and a Hong Kong tour guide, which has been reported as a "tourism scandal" by CCTV, Mr James Tien, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has made the following remarks.

On 3 February, Hong Kong celebrated an extra bouncy Year of the Rabbit, as the 2011 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade sent visitors and local residents jumping with joy.

Tonight (3 February), Hong Kong celebrated an extra bouncy Year of the Rabbit, as the 2011 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade sent visitors and local residents jumping with joy. Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the parade incarnated its theme orld City. World Party.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (26 January) that visitor arrivals in 2010 reached a historic high at 36,030,331, 21.8% more than in 2009. The growth was led by a number of factors, including steady growth of the world economy, appreciation of most currencies against the Hong Kong dollar, as well as the expansion of the scope of the Individual Visit Scheme for Shenzhen residents by the Central Government.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (11 January) that the 16th Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade will be staged on the first evening of Chinese New Year (3 February). Carrying the theme orld City. World Party. the parade features floats and performing troupes from across the globe to underscore Hong Kong status as an international metropolis.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (7 January) that provisional total arrivals in 2010 reached 36.03 million, a 21.8%-increase compared to 2009. These were made up by approximately 22.47 million Mainland arrivals (+27.0%), 8.72 million short-haul (excluding Mainland) arrivals (+16.5%), and 4.84 million long-haul arrivals (+9.6%).

Tonight (31 December), the last 10 seconds of 2010 marked an intense moment in Hong Kong following in unison the numbers 10 to one created by pyrotechnics on the rooftops of Two ifc and nine other buildings on Hong Kong Island, local residents and visitors on both sides of Victoria Harbour joined in a mega countdown to welcome 2011 together.

On New Year Eve tomorrow, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will again stage the Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations to usher in 2011 with spectacular pyrotechnics. This year, the pyrotechnic show will last for four and a half minutes, and pyrotechnics will be used to create numerals for countdown for the first time.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (28 December) that visitor arrivals to Hong Kong in the first 11 months of 2010 which totalled 32,486,877 are already ahead of the total 2009 arrivals, representing a 22.5%-increase year-on-year. In November alone, visitor arrivals reached 3,052,390, 17.1% more than the same month last year.

To give visitors a taste of Hong Kong Christmas ambience once they arrive the city, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Airport Authority Hong Kong have jointly arranged for different Christmas characters to greet visitors at the arrival halls of Hong Kong International Airport in the coming few days. This welcome activity is part of the Hong Kong WinterFest promotion by the HKTB between 29 November 2010 and 2 January 2011.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will once again stage the Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations on 31 December. This year, the HKTB will bring in new visual effects to the pyrotechnic display, including numeric patterns for the countdown. The combination of colourful patterns and movements atop the buildings will symbolise a soaring dragon, which is set to light up the spectacular, world-famous Victoria Harbour.

In response to the announcement by the Mainland authority on expanding the scope for non-Guangdong residents in Shenzhen to apply for endorsement under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) with effect from 15 December 2010.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board announced today (30 November) that visitor arrivals to Hong Kong in October 2010 stood at 3,258,537. The figure represented an increase of 18.0% year-on-year. The sustained growth momentum in overall arrivals was led by the rise of Mainland arrivals during the National Day Golden Week holidays. In the first 10 months of 2010, total visitor arrivals cumulated to 29,434,487, 23.0% more than the same period last year.

Recently a number of local residents were contacted via telephone by someone allegedly from the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), inviting them to act as ystery customersand conduct assessment of merchants accredited under the Quality Tourism Services (QTS) scheme. Residents concerned were asked to test the service quality of the beauty salons, but were in fact tricked into purchasing treatments by the beauty salons.

Hong Kong's Christmas and New Year celebrations are among the most exciting and romantic in Asia. To attract visitors to the city during the festive winter season, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has made plans to stage the Hong Kong WinterFest programme between 29 November 2010 and 2 January 2011.

As the autumnal breezes blow gently on our faces, we know the hiking season has arrived. Today (7 November), over a thousand Hong Kong residents and visitors gathered at Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung for the launch of the reat Outdoors Hong Kong!campaign organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and co-organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).

During the 2010 Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade on 31 October, Mr James Tien, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) hosted the finale of the unset Tasting with Wine Collectorssession.

Trick or treat! With Halloween just around the corner, the witch and the pumpkin man are giving out candies to visitors at the Hong Kong International Airport to spread the festive mood.

On 28 October, internationally acclaimed jazz singer Laura Fygi sang in Hong Kong with the accolade-winning Hong Kong Baptist University Symphony Orchestra for the first time. Echoing the beautiful backdrop of Victoria Harbour, their performance also raised the curtain on the 2010 Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival staged by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).

In Hong Kong, eight visitors from Mainland China, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand ransacked shops all over the city with their teammates from Hong Kong on 25 October.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (22 October) that a total of 2,728,107 visitor arrivals to Hong Kong were recorded in September 2010, 21.2% more than the previous September. Cumulatively, arrivals in the first three quarters of 2010 reached 26,175,950, which is a 23.7%-increase year-on-year.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will stage the second Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade between 28 and 31 October.

Mr James Tien, Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), made remarks when summing up the visitor arrivals from Mainland China to Hong Kong during the National Day Golden Week (1-7 October).

Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and co-organised by Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, the final competition of the 2010 Best of the Best Culinary Awards took place today (4 October). After careful tasting and evaluating, the judges picked the winners of the Gold with Distinction Awards, Gold Awards and Silver Awards for both eafood Fish, Prawn and Craband oultry Chickencategories.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (20 September) a new single-month visitor arrival record in August 2010.

Mid-Autumn Festival is the time for reunion. To celebrate this special time, airy Chang-eis flying down from her home on the moon and teaming up with the festival food oon Caketo greet visitors from all over the world. They will take pictures with visitors at the arrival halls of the Hong Kong International Airport to spread joy and blessings.

Hong Kong was once again voted est Business City in the Worldand est Business City in Northeast Asiain the annual readerspoll organised by the Business Traveller Asia-Pacific magazine this year.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board announced today (19 August) that visitor arrivals to Hong Kong in July 2010 reached the highest ever single-month level at 3,136,794, a robust increase of 31.9% year-on-year. For the first seven months of this year, total visitor arrivals amounted to 19,992,810, representing a 24.4%-rise compared to the same period last year.

Figures released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) today (27 July) show an outright record of 16,856,016 visitor arrivals to Hong Kong in the first six months of 2010. The figure represented not only a year-on-year increase of 23.1%, but also the highest half-yearly figure ever recorded. Also reaching a new mark was the arrival figure for the month of June, which increased by 43.5% to reach 2,619,722.

As the anchor event of Festive Hong Kong 2010, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival took place between 23 and 25 July both in the sea and on land. The focus in the water was the Sa Sa 2010 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, which were participated by 190 teams from 12 countries and regions.

The Observatory has issued the Strong Wind Signal Number 3. The HKDBA and the HKTB announced today (21 July) that the key programme of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival the SaSa 2010 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will be shortened from three to two days on 24 and 25 July. As for the San Miguel Beer Garden and the adjacent Dragon Boat Fun Plaza, their opening schedule will remain unchanged.

The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival, organised by the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Association (HKDBA), co-organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and supported by Mega Events Fund, will be held from 23 25 July 2010 in East Tsim Sha Tsui.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will unfold a series of promotional activities under ong Kong Summer Spectacularbetween 11 June and 31 August 2010.

Figures released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) today (26 May) showed that visitor arrivals of April 2010 amounted to 2,796,311, a year-on-year increase of 14.6%. Total arrivals from January to April this year accumulated to 11,420,999, 16.0% higher than last year figure for the same period. For the first time ever, visitor arrivals exceeded the 10-million mark within the first four months of a year.

Today (18 May), our Cheung Chau Bun Festival mascot ucky Bunis partnering with ivine General the huge figure representing the Chinese gods that often appear in parades during traditional Chinese festivals, to spread festivity to Chek Lap Kok! They are both thrilled to welcome visitors at the arrival hall of the Hong Kong International Airport, where they take photographs with visitors and sprinkle them with joy and blessings.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (12 May) that MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) visitor arrivals exceeded 280,000 in the first quarter of 2010, a 30%-rise compared to the same period last year. Most market regions benefited from a recovering economy and recorded double-digit growth.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (4 May) that visitor arrivals from Mainland China to Hong Kong approached almost 250,000 during the past Labour Day holidays (1-3 May), 40% higher than in the same period last year. In particular, those who came under the Individual Visit Scheme reached 179,756, a 45.5%-rise from last year.

Figures released today (3 May) by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) showed that visitor arrivals to Hong Kong during the first quarter of 2010 leaped by 16.5% to 8,624,688, making it the highest figure for the first quarter ever.

Figures released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) today (27 April) show that the Total Expenditure Associated to Inbound Tourism (TEAIT) increased by 3.2% year-on-year to HK$162.89 billion in 2009, despite the impact of the global economic downturn.

"As an old Hong Konger, I fully support the ong Kong Pals Programme which not only promotes Hong Kong to visitors but also enriches my life and boosts my confidence; I am only too glad to take part!" Alan, a "Hong Kong Pal" in service, shared his half-year experience in providing frontline visitor services.

Get ready for a major carnival in Tsim Sha Tsui East this summer! To lure visitors to Hong Kong this sizzling summer holiday, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is teaming up with the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Association (HKDBA) to draw out the ong Kong Dragon Boat Carnivala mega event that runs from 23 to 25 July.

Leveraging on the World Expo 2010 Shanghai (Shanghai Expo), which will be held in Shanghai from 1 May to 31 October 2010, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is rolling out an extensive range of promotional activities. Through three major marketing approaches, the HKTB aims to attract global visitors heading for the Shanghai Expo, which is projected by the organiser to reach about 70 million, to come to Hong Kong before or after their visits to the Shanghai Expo.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (1 April) the extension of the Quality Tourism Services (QTS) scheme to cover the hairdressing industry. Under this new QTS Hair Salon scheme, hair salons that provide hairdressing services as their core business and nail/make-up services as their ancillary business are invited to apply for accreditation under the scheme.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (1 April) that visitor arrivals to Hong Kong reached 2,866,053 in February 2010. The figure not only represents a growth of 32.5% on the equivalent figure for February 2009, but also sets a record for the month of February. The key reason for the strong growth was a surge of Mainland arrivals during the Lunar New Year Golden Week, which fell in February this year but January last year.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) welcomes the revitalisation of Brand Hong Kong (BrandHK) by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (2 March) that visitor arrivals to Hong Kong reached 2,960,319 in January 2010, 5.9% more than in January 2009.

The annual Tourism Overview organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) today (1 March) attracted the participation of around 700 travel trade representatives.

In response to media enquiries about the visitor arrivals during the Chinese New Year Golden Week, Mr James Tien, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), has made some remarks.

Hong Kong came alive on 14 February with the staging of the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade, which marked the start of a year-long programme of celebrations in estive Hong Kong 2010 Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the Parade featured a stunning array of 14 brightly illuminated floats, and 13 overseas and 13 local performing groups from 14 countries and regions, weaving their way along a new route in Tsim Sha Tsui.

On 13 February, some members of the city's ethnic minority community and local youngsters attended the dress rehearsal and interacted with international performers taking part in the "Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade". The one-of-a-kind experience enabled the youngsters to have an early, memorable celebration of the Year of the Tiger.

A painted tramcar featuring artworks of a tiger and Hong Kong colourful festive celebrations has appeared in the city from 5 February. Rattling through the streets of Hong Kong Island, the tramcar conjures up a festive mood in the advent of Chinese New Year.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (4 January) that the provisional total arrivals in 2009 have reached 29.59 million. The figure represents an increase of 0.3% over 2008 and is ahead of HKTB original forecast of a 1.6%-shortfall in 2009.

At the instant marking the commencement of 2010, shouts of appy New Year, Hong Kong! Give me five!were heard from visitors and locals alike. As they extended to each other high fives and wishes for a more prosperous New Year, the ew Year Countdown Celebrationspyrotechnics display started up amidst the cheers.

On Dec 23, the Urban Council Centenary Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui was filled with the beautiful music of Angelic Carols a key programme of 2009 Hong Kong WinterFest organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). Famous Hong Kong artiste Chet Lam and pop group t17joined 400 Primary 1-3 students from 20 local schools to sing Christmas carols and spread the message of love and joy.

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1626.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> Riding on the Mainland implementation of the arrangement to allow non-Guangdong residents ordinarily residing in Shenzhen to apply for endorsement under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS), the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) joined hands with the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau and the Shenzhen Bureau of Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to arrange for the first batch of applicants to visit Hong Kong today and tomorrow (15 and 16 December).

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1625.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> This New Year Eve, Hong Kong world-famous Victoria Harbour will once again be the centre stage for the city New Year Countdown Celebrations. With stunning pyrotechnic display and lighting, the party will bring Hong Kong people and visitors together to usher in a new year.

Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Mr James Tien expressed today (27 November) his gratitude to the Hong Kong Police for its swift actions in investigating into several cases of misrepresentation of HKTB and arresting the persons suspected to be connected with the cases.

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1604.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (27 November) the staging of Hong Kong WinterFest. Organised by the HKTB for the eighth consecutive year, the mega event runs from today until 3 January 2010.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) welcomes the announcement by relevant Mainland authority on allowing non-Guangdong residents in Shenzhen to apply for endorsement under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) with effect from 15 December 2009.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (28 October) that visitor arrivals to Hong Kong reached 2,250,718 in September 2009, 2.5% more than in the same month of 2008. Cumulatively, arrivals from January to September totalled 21,159,973, with the year-to-date shortfall further improved from .4% in August to .8% in September.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) welcomes the announcement by the Mega Events Fund (MEF) Assessment Committee today (22 October) on the six mega event proposals selected in the first round of applications.

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1544.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival the opening spectacle of the Hong Kong Food and Wine Year Spotlight Events organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), takes place this evening and the next two days (30 October through 1 November) on the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade.

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1543.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will stage the ong Kong Food and Wine Year Spotlight Eventsfrom 30 October to 8 November 2009, presenting a tantalising experience of fine wine, cuisine and entertainment for visitors and local residents. The anchor event will be a three-day ong Kong Wine and Dine Festival

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) welcomes the tourism-related proposals presented by Chief Executive Mr Donald Tsang in his Policy Address today (14 October), which would facilitate further development of the tourism industry.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (9 October) that visitor arrivals from Mainland China during the eight-day National Day Golden Week holiday period this year (1-8 October) reached 590,882, 15.8% more than the figure during the period 29 September to 6 October 2008 (National Day Golden Week and the following day).

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1504.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> To the surprise of many, who consider Hong Kong a concrete jungle, approximately 40% of the city land area is country park, which offers ideal locations for hiking and an urban retreat. To showcase the city beautiful countryside, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) launched a brand new reat Outdoors Hong Kong!promotion today, bringing visitors to experience different sections of MacLehose Trail Hong Kong longest hiking trail.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (29 September) that visitor arrivals to Hong Kong reached 2,834,178 in August 2009.

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1464.png" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is joining hands with the Hainan Tourism Development Committee (HNTDC) to promote combo visits to the two destinations in Russia. For the first time, the two tourism organisations jointly organised a travel trade seminar in Moscow today (24 September), during which combo itineraries of different themes were introduced to some 90 trade and media representatives from Moscow and St Petersburg.

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1463.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> Thirty Hong Kong residents from different backgrounds but with the same passion for this city were selected from over 300 applicants to participate in the ong Kong Palsprogramme organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). Having completed three months of training, they are officially appointed today (19 September) by HKTB Chairman Mr James Tien at a crowning ceremony.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (31 August) that visitor arrivals in Hong Kong totalled 2,378,298 in July 2009.

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1343.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> Four key elements sweeping across 10 days, oozing delicacies and festivity to all corners of Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will stage the 10-day ong Kong Food and Wine Year Spotlight Eventsfrom 30 October to 8 November 2009, bringing the excitement of the ong Kong Food and Wine Year promotions to new heights.

Visitor arrivals to Hong Kong reached 13,696,779 in the first six months of 2009, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (29 July). This represents a decrease of 3.4% over the same period last year.

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1323.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) officially kick-started its two-month-long summer promotional campaign Hong Kong Summer Spectacular today (29 June). This year, the HKTB, in collaboration with the tourism industry, is focusing on promoting to potential visitors from the Mainland and short-haul markets a wide range of special offers and privileges, as well as tactical packages.

Figures released today (23 June) by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) show that visitor arrivals in May 2009 fell by 13.4% year-on-year to 2,027,572.

Figures released today (25 May) by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) showed that visitor arrivals in April 2009 reached 2,439,490, 0.8% more than in April 2008. This brings cumulative arrivals for the first four months of 2009 to 9,843,203, 1.5% ahead of the same period last year.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) welcomes the signing of Supplement VI to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) between the Hong Kong SAR Government and Ministry of Commerce of the Central People Government today (9 May), and considers that the tourism-related initiatives in the Arrangement can help foster the development of Hong Kong tourism industry.

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1243.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has set up a booth at HOFEX 2009 The 13th Asian International Exhibition of Food and Drink, Hotel, Restaurant & Foodservice Equipment, Supplies & Services taking place in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Available from today (6 May) until 9 May, the booth promotes the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival with a view to encourage the exhibitors to take part in this brand new mega event by the HKTB.

Figures released today (6 May) by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) showed that visitor arrivals in March 2009 reached 2,445,289, 1.7% more than in March 2008. This brings cumulative arrivals for the first quarter of 2009 to 7,403,713, 1.8% ahead of the same period last year.

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1224.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> Today (5 May), the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced the launch of its first-ever Meet-the-Locals Volunteer Programme. Residents familiar with Hong Kong local living culture will be recruited to become ong Kong Palsand provide travel information to visitors from across the globe. The volunteers will also introduce Hong Kong way of life and culture, as well as make travel recommendations based on their own favourite sites and activities.

In response to the confirmed human case of influenza A (H1N1) infection in Hong Kong on 1 May, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) would like to make the following statement: The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) believes that our priority right now is to provide visitors with the best possible assistance and the most up-to-date and accurate information about the situation in Hong Kong by working closely with the Government and the travel trade.

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1185.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> Joined by travel trade partners in Hong Kong and Mainland China, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced a promotional programme ong Kong Welcomes Shenzhen Visitors with Citywide Promotionin Shenzhen today (25 April). The 8-month programme that runs until end 2009 will feature a host of offers and privileges by local travel trade, packaged by the HKTB under various themes at different times of the year.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) welcomes the mutual visa-free access agreement signed between the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Russia today (23 April).

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1183.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) officially launched today (16 April) a brand new marketing platform ong Kong Food and Wine Year

Figures released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) today (9 April) show that the Total Expenditure Associated to Inbound Tourism (TEAIT) in 2008 reached HK$158.95 billion, an increase of 11.7% over 2007. The average per capita spending of overnight visitors reached HK$5,439, 6.2% higher than the 2007 figure, while that of same-day in-town visitors surged by 20.9% to HK$1,498.

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1165.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), together with about 50 representatives from 40 local travel organisations, including hotels, attractions and travel agencies, travelled to Taiwan and met with more than 80 travel agency representatives from Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung in March 2009.

Figures released today (30 March) by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) showed that visitor arrivals in February 2009 reached 2,162,325, 8.1% less than in February 2008. This brings cumulative arrivals for the first two months of 2009 to 4,958,424, 1.8% ahead of the same period last year.

Figures released today (26 February) by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) showed that visitor arrivals in January 2009 reached 2,796,099, 11.0% more than in January 2008. The growth in January 2009 was driven by Mainland China, as many Mainland visitors travelled to Hong Kong for the Lunar New Year celebrations, which fell in the first month this year, as compared to February last year.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) welcomes the various tourism-related proposals announced by the Financial Secretary Mr John C Tsang in his Budget Speech today (25 February).

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1104.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> The annual ourism Overvieworganised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) today attracted the participation of around 400 travel trade representatives. The objective of the event is to reinforce communication and strengthen collaboration with local travel trade partners.

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1103.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> At the launch ceremony of the Hong Kong Japan Tourism Exchange Year 2009 in Tokyo, Mr Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, presents a rystal junkmemento to representatives of various sectors in Hong Kong and Japan for their valuable contribution to tourism exchange between the two destinations.

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1095.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> At tonight (Chinese New Year Day) Cathay Pacific International New Year Night Parade, 39 floats and performing groups from 12 countries and regions danced, cheered and greeted their way along the Parade route from Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza. Thousands turned out in their New Year best to see this symbol of the city high hopes for the coming year.

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1094.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> (Hong Kong, January 23, 2009) The Tourism Commission of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (KSARG, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (KTB, the Japan Tourism Agency (TA and Japan National Tourism Organization (NTO today launched the Hong Kong-Japan Tourism Exchange Year 2009 (EY 2009 promotion in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) released today (22 January) the final visitor arrivals for 2008, which totalled 29,506,616, an increase of 4.7% on the 28.17 million arrivals welcomed in 2007.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced that tickets for spectator stands for the 2009 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade have been sold out. The HKTB is encouraged by the overwhelming response and wished to thank local residents and visitors for their support. Those who are unable to purchase tickets can still enjoy the night parade on 26 January 2009, as they can view the procession free of charge along the parade route.

<img src="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/interactive/rss/uploads/story/file_1089.jpg" style="float:left;margin:0 5px 5px 0" /> The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will present on Chinese New Year Day (26 January) the International Chinese New Year Night Parade for the 14th consecutive year, with Cathay Pacific Airways as the title sponsor of the event. Carrying the banner of orld Happiest Party the 2009 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade will be held in a more prominent scale and enhanced with more festive lighting and decorations along the parade route.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced today (6 January) that the provisional total arrivals in 2008 have reached 29.5 million, representing an increase of 4.7% compared with 2007.