The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) started a program called "My
Hong Kong Family" on Sunday inan attempt to promote the city as the
ultimate family destination,not just for leisure, but also business
visitors.
Local families were invited to design a visit route and guide
for an overseas family around the city, thus helping visitors
discover and experience Hong Kong's distinctive culture and
lifestyle.
Officiating at the program's opening ceremony, HKTB Executive
Director Clara Chong said that the board is striving to extend
thetourism footprint to all corners of Hong Kong, and bringing more
of the population into contact with visitors.
"We know that many visitors are not only interested in
sightseeing, shopping and dining, but also experiencing the
livingculture and traditions of Hong Kong," the Director said.
"In organizing the program, we aim to foster closer exchanges
between local and overseas families, and enable the visitors to rub
shoulders with friendly locals, live within our culture, and
discover the unique, multi-faceted experiences of our city," she
added.
Hong Kong has already identified family travelers as one of
itskey target segments when planning the 2006 Discover Hong Kong
Yearcampaign through measures like the opening of Hong Kong
Disneylandlast September.
The tourism board hoped to package its existing attractions,
such as Ocean Park, museums and hiking and heritage trails for
family groups.
From March 20 to April 25, participants will be required to
design a two-day travel itinerary and submit an essay and 15
winning families will be selected to become Discover Hong Kong Year
Family Ambassadors.
(Xinhua News Agency March 20, 2006)