FS speaks at official dedication of "it's a small world" (English only) (with photo/video)

FS speaks at official dedication of "it's a small world" (English only) (with photo/video)
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Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at the official dedication of "it's a small world" at Hong Kong Disneyland this evening (April 27):

Jay (Rasulo), Bill (Ernest), Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening.

I am really delighted to join you to celebrate the launch of our very own "it's a small world", an icon of Disney Magic around the world.

This year, 2008, is a fitting year to unveil "it's a small world" in Hong Kong. With singing and dancing dolls showcasing the dress and culture of each nation along a dazzling boat ride, the world fraternity theme echoes that of the Beijing Olympics; "One World One Dream". The Beijing Olympic Games are less than four months away, and with the Olympic Equestrian Events taking place here, Hong Kong will be an exciting spectacle to our visitors this summer.

In the past few years, we have achieved impressive tourism growth. Last year, Hong Kong received over 28 million visitors, chalking up an 11.6% growth compared to 2006. Overnight arrivals alone grew by 8.4%, ahead of the average of 6% globally. With a diversified portfolio of attractions, we are seeing more families coming to Hong Kong with their children. Last year, the number of visitors aged under 16 grew by 15% from 2006. There has been a cumulative increase of some 42% when compared to 2005.

The Mainland remains our largest source market, and it is still growing. I am confident that Hong Kong Disneyland will continue to tap into this important market segment and make the theme park one of the "must-visit" destinations for Mainland tourists.

Besides family visitors – and appropriately for this occasion – the MICE sector is another important area for us. Of course, I mean the meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition industry. Hong Kong Disneyland and its two hotels provide high-quality MICE venues. I am encouraged by the growth of this sector and look to Hong Kong Disneyland to play a part in bringing fun-filled business to our visitors.

Since the Disney magic came to Hong Kong in 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland has made good progress in integrating with the local community. The newly established Disney Children's Fund and the reach-outs by the Disney VoluntEARS are among the many exciting initiatives. We look forward to Hong Kong Disneyland continuing to maintain a strong bond with Hong Kong people, and working closely with local travel industry partners to ensure the magic lives on.

Without further ado, let's share in the world of fun, and welcome this unique Hong Kong version of "it's a small world". The theme song is sung in nine different languages, including the much-revered Cantonese lyrics composed by our beloved Mr James Wong.

Thank you.

Ends/Sunday, April 27, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:30

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