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Following is a transcript (English portion) of the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Frederick Ma, speaking to the media on the hotel closure incident after the Chinese Sturgeons presentation at Ocean Park today (June 20):
Reporter: How will the communication be improved?
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: I think we have to improve our communication. We are going to launch an investigation into the communication channels and a comprehensive review of what has happened, to make sure this sort of incident will not happen again.
Reporter: How will the visitors be …?
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: As I said, Ocean Park, Wetland Park, Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360, they are going to offer free passes (one-day pass) for them. These free passes are valid for one year and transferable. Thanks to Lan Kwai Fong Group, they will be able to enjoy a dinner at Lan Kwai Fong Group restaurants for free, thanks to Chairman Allan Zeman. On top of these, I have requested the Hong Kong Tourism Board to work with the industry to provide a three-day accommodation, meals and tour included tour for these 44 tourists should they come to Hong Kong again. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the industry for helping out. Our Tourism Commission has been coordinating all these efforts in the past two days, and I am happy that we are able to announce all these measures. I hope that the tourists will still view Hong Kong as a city of hospitality and view Hong Kong as a tourists' paradise, and not be affected by this incident.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Friday, June 20, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:18
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