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Hong Kong is the "perfect choice" for business or leisure travel and is determined to constantly improve its appeal and product for visitors from around the world, says the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Donald Tsang.
Mr Tsang made the comments while officiating at the "Hong Kong – The Perfect Choice!" special event organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco and Hong Kong Tourism Board today (June 13, San Francisco time) at the historic Ferry Building in downtown San Francisco.
Thousands of San Franciscans and tourists visited booths showcasing Hong Kong's vibrant culture, and gathered information about tourism and trade in Hong Kong.
Mr Tsang was welcomed to San Francisco by Mayor Gavin Newsom during a reception attended by more than 250 guests that included consuls general, business leaders, senior officials and local dignitaries.
Mayor Newsom noted that Mr. Tsang's visit had strengthened ties and cooperation between San Francisco and Hong Kong, notably in the areas of trade, commerce, finance, tourism and culture.
Mayor Newsom declared June 13, 2008 as "Hong Kong Day in San Francisco".
Addressing the guests, Mr. Tsang said, "Hong Kong is the perfect choice for both leisure and business travellers.
"Last year we welcomed a record 28 million visitors – that's four times our population.
"Every year, Hong Kong plays host to more than 300 international conventions and exhibitions, including some of the world's largest.
"First-rate facilities, global connectivity, a professional workforce, a commitment to excellence, quality services and ample entertainment opportunities all add up to ensure the success of any event."
The Chief Executive said Hong Kong was pushing ahead with plans for a new cruise terminal in the city, as well as a US$700 million upgrade of its marine-based theme park.
New attractions would also be added to Hong Kong Disneyland, while US$20 million had been earmarked to enhance Hong Kong's appeal as an international convention, exhibition and tourism capital.
Mr Tsang said Hong Kong was honoured to be hosting the equestrian events for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
"As far as large events are concerned, nothing comes much bigger than the Olympics," he said.
"In less than 60 days, Hong Kong will proudly join the league of Olympic cities by staging the equestrian events on the Beijing Olympiad.
"This is a great honour for our city, and we are pulling out all stops to ensure they are the best Olympic equestrian events ever."
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has invested US$150 million in state-of-the-art equestrian facilities, which won rave reviews from competitors and officials after a test event in August last year.
Mr Tsang said this year's Olympics would include a number of world firsts for the equestrian events, including:
* The first 24-hour air conditioned stables for horses;
* The first indoor air-conditioned training area;
* The first on-site equine drug testing facilities;
* The first mobile cooling stations for horses; and,
* The first 100% recycling of Olympic stable waste, which is in keeping with the Green Olympics theme.
A trailer of a special television program on Hong Kong, entitled "Hong Kong Reins", was also launched by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang at the Reception.
They were joined by: Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Miss Margaret Fong; Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco, Ms Doris Cheung; and, Executive Director of Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr. Anthony Lau.
The program will be broadcast on NBC11 in San Francisco on August 8 before airing of the Olympic Opening Ceremony as well as WNBC and NBC4 in New York and Washington DC on July 19.
Ends/Saturday, June 14, 2008
Issued at HKT 13:35
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