Speech by Commissioner for Tourism in South Korea (English only)(With photo)
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Following is a speech by the Commissioner for Tourism, Miss Au King-chi, at the 46th Orient and Southeast Asian Lions (OSEAL) Forum Hong Kong Night Reception in Daegu, South Korea, tonight (October 13):

Function Chairperson of the 47th OSEAL Forum Past District Governor Judy Sin, International President Mahendra Aamarasuriya, Chairperson of the 46th OSEAL Forum Past International Director Woo [Kee-Jung], International Officers, District Governor of District 303 Tommy Leung, Lions dignitaries, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to join you all this evening.  First of all, let me thank the Lions for your warm hospitality and giving me a valuable opportunity to learn from your experience in organising an OSEAL Forum.

On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I would like to extend the warmest welcome to you all to the next OSEAL Forum to be held in Hong Kong in December, 2008.  

Lions Clubs and Hong Kong have always been closely-knit.  Not only do we have more than 1,400 Lions in Hong Kong, we share the same value in recognising community needs and developing means to meet them.  The spirit of Lions can be found in every walk of our life including our convention and tourism industry.  We attach great importance to our visitors¡¦ needs, and are committed to providing quality service to them.

We take pride in the joint efforts by the Government, the community and the travel trade in making Hong Kong the most preferred city destination in the world.

Hong Kong is most privileged to be your chosen partner in organising international Lions event.  Indeed together we have hosted many successful Lions events, including the well-attended international conventions in 1992, 2005 and previous OSEAL Forums.  It gives us great honour to continue this important partnership in planning for the 47th OSEAL Forum.  We are determined to offer the Lions and your family and friends an exciting and memorable experience.

Hong Kong has all the essential elements that can transform a mega event into an outstanding success.  We have state-of-the-art convention and exhibition facilities and offer our visitors a wide range of hotels, and diversified shopping and dining experience.  Our excellent infrastructure and telecommunications network, as well as efficient aviation connectivity, are there to serve visitors from all around the world.

What¡¦s more, our experienced conference organisers will take care of you in every detail, from reliable venue setup to designing tourism programmes for you, your family and friends.  Our tourism marketing agency, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, which helps set up the venue this evening, just cannot wait to offer you professional advice and support in promoting attendance at the OSEAL Forum.

Many new tourism developments have taken place in Hong Kong since the last Lions convention in 2005. Just to name a few:  the Hong Kong Disneyland was opened in 2005, the Hong Kong Wetland Park and a cableway to the Big Buddha on Lantau in 2006, and a brand new convention facility, the Asia-World Expo, in late 2005, where the next OSEAL Forum will be held.  Adding to these are new, stylish and sophisticated shopping facilities, all linked up by our efficient underground train.  So do bring your family with you to the next OSEAL Forum.  I can assure that you and your family will have difficulties in finding enough time in sampling these new tourist attractions.  

The venue of the 47th OSEAL Forum, the Asia-World Expo, is a world class, well-equipped and multi-functional facility situated right next to the Hong Kong International Airport.  It is served by an efficient rail system which brings you to the city centre in 30 minutes.

There is an expanding cluster of tourist facilities near this new convention venue.  Within a 15-minute radius from the Asia-World Expo, you can visit the Hong Kong Disneyland; take a 20-minute cable-car ride to see our tropical rain forest and visit the Big Buddha; explore some picturesque villages and natural trails on Lantau Island; shop at the new mall in Terminal 2 of the Airport and factory outlets in Tung Chung; and for the golfers, try out the 9 holes next door.

Hong Kong is waiting for you.  We have something to suit every taste and interest.

When you attend the OSEAL Forum next year, you will experience our warm hospitality, and high quality service; and enjoy a wide array of dedicated entertainment activities tailor made for you and your family and friends.  We are looking forward to receiving you, and would be delighted to have you as part of our vibrant city life and unique east-meets-west culture.  

Ladies and gentlemen, I wish the 46th OSEAL Forum every success, and hope to see you all in Hong Kong in December next year.

Kam sa ham nee da [Thank you].


Ends/Saturday, October 13, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:30

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