News Capsules

HKTB voted Best Asia/Pacific Tourist Board
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) UK office has been voted Best Asia/Pacific Tourist Board in the British Travel Awards 2007. Regarded as the Oscars of the travel industry, the awards invited both industry professionals and the public to cast their votes, which make them one of the most widely recognised travel awards.

HKTB Chairman The Hon James Tien said that the Board was greatly honoured by the accolade. “Since our UK office in London came into existence in 1972, we’ve been working closely with the British travel trade to promote Hong Kong,” he remarked. “Our recent strategy is to position Hong Kong as a hip and trendy destination, and winning the award shows how positively our promotions have been received by the UK travel trade and consumers.” 

Visitor Arrivals Up 
Visitor arrivals in Hong Kong in the first half of this year have increased by 6.8% to more than 13 million, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board. The figure includes more than 2.03 million arrivals in the region in the month of June alone, which represents a year-on-year growth of 7.7%. The greatest growth, of 16.6% was recorded from Europe, while Canadian arrivals grew 11.5% over last year and arrivals from the United States grew 4.4%.

HKIA Voted World’s Best Airport
For the 6th time in 7 years, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has been awarded the title of World’s Best Airport by the Annual Skytrax survey. Nearly 8 million people participated in the poll. The honour came as Hong Kong’s Chief Executive announced initiatives to strengthen Hong Kong as an international and regional aviation centre. Dr. Victor Fung, the Chairman of Airport Authority of Hong Kong, welcomed the potential of a rail link between airports in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and the plan to develop further road access linking HKIA with Shenzhen and the Northern New Territories.

Hong Kong Wi-Fi Leader
The installation of more than 5,000 Wi-Fi hotspots at around 3,000 locations in the territory made Hong Kong a world leader in the provision of public Wi-Fi service. The move is in line with government’s vision to make broadband Internet access available to everyone in Hong Kong, regardless of whether they are at home or on the move using mobile facilities. 

Hong Kong Port Reaches New Mark
The cargo throughput of Hong Kong port has continued to increase in the past decade and the gross tonnage of ships registered in Hong Kong has now topped 35 million. Saying that Hong Kong has benefited from the growth of the industry worldwide, the Director of Marine, Mr. Roger Tupper, noted that “our work and duties towards the industry are also on the increase. We have to optimize our effort in a more focused manner in order to discharge our responsibilities more effectively, both as a flag State and a port State." 

Artist Opens Hong Kong Studio
Responding to demand from her Asian-based clients, New Zealand artist Jane Mason launched Jane Mason Studios (Asia) Limited in Hong Kong with an exhibition of her paintings, held in conjunction with the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. The artist's rich, abstract pieces adorn the walls of famous hotels, restaurants and clubs in Hong Kong, as well as the homes of private collectors. "Hong Kong offers a combination of fascinating creativity and inspiration, coupled with a strong and sophisticated market of art lovers," said Ms. Mason. "For an artist, Hong Kong is a leading light in Asia.”

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