HKTA to coordinate major tourism event with support from HAD and 18 districts

Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) Chairman the Hon Mrs Selina Chow, JP today (16 November 2000) met representatives from the Home Affairs Department (HAD) and the 18 District Councils to exchange views on the further promotion of Hong Kong’s tourism industry.

Outlining the result of the meeting, Mrs Chow said the HKTA was delighted to gain the full support of the HAD and the 18 District Councils, which would organise various types of programmes to showcase district attractions between April 2001 and the last quarter of 2002. As the coordinator, the HKTA would link these activities to form a major, SAR-wide tourism event.

“As the HKTA will be renamed the Hong Kong Tourism Board in April next year, we proposed that the HAD and the District Councils organise a series of programmes between then and the last quarter of 2002 with the HKTA’s promotional support,” she explained. “Through special programmes and tourist attractions in different districts, the overall competitiveness of Hong Kong’s tourism industry can be enhanced.

“As much consultation has to be conducted and coordination of the content and format must be discussed, the title of the project is yet to be confirmed,” Mrs Chow added. “It is hoped that various districts, under the direction of their District Councils and the HKTA’s coordination, will hold unique programmes to appeal to visitors from both long- and short- haul markets, thereby contributing to the local tourism industry. The HKTA will be promoting these programmes around the world.

“At the same time, local residents will be encouraged to further appreciate the characteristics and unique tourist attractions of Hong Kong beyond their own districts,” Mrs Chow said.