The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has released details of its 2008 summer promotions. Carrying a new name Hong Kong Summer Temptations, the promotions will run for an extended period from 1 July to 21 September this year and showcase Hong Kong’s summer appeal from a different angle. Together with a variety of events in town, visitors will be able to explore endless fun and excitement that go beyond shopping and dining in Hong Kong this summer.
HKTB Chairman The Hon 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 2008 Hong Kong Summer Temptations. Under the programme, 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 special 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 programme, 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 visa.com.hk. With unlimited entries allowed, the lucky draw offers prizes totalling to HK$1.2 million in value.
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 (25 July to 24 Aug), where visitors can watch 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 recently put up the Olympic Rings at the harbourfront exterior of Hong Kong Museum of Art until 31 December 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 organise 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.