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Following is the welcome remarks by the Commissioner for Tourism, Mr Philip Yung, at the welcome ceremony of inaugural berthing by Mariner of the Seas at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal tonight (June 12):
Captain Nielsen, Barry (Mr Nassberg), Dr Liu, Daisy, guests of Mariner of the Seas, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening, and a very warm welcome to everyone of you, especially to our dear guests on board Mariner of the Seas! You have just witnessed the inaugural berthing of Mariner of the Seas at this brand new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Kai Tak was the site of our legendary airport, and it is now turning a historic page by connecting Hong Kong with the rest of the world through the seven seas.
As Mariner of the Seas was berthing at the terminal just now, I hope you have had the chance to enjoy the Symphony of Lights, a very attractive programme to our tourists. Actually I am not sure your attention was probably drawn to this new cruise terminal. Anyway, for those who are in Hong Kong for the first time, the show and the spectacular view of the Victoria Harbour by night should be an unforgettable experience itself. If you have been here by cruise before, you will notice the modern facilities tailor-made for passengers in this new terminal. With the addition of this important tourism facility, Hong Kong is in full gear to receive mega cruise ships, and to offer homeport service to more cruise ships in the future. There is of course a lot more we should and could do to make this new terminal a success. The Government, the terminal operator and our travel industry will work hard together to achieve this goal.
Tonight's inaugural berthing is one of the signature events of the "Hong Kong: Our Home" Campaign. In time this terminal will become a best-loved venue for Hong Kong people to enjoy and take pride of our Victoria Harbour. I also hope Mariner of the Seas will find Hong Kong a wonderful homeport. We look forward to receiving you again in October and November this year.
I do not want to take up any more of your precious time to explore this beautiful city that we call home. Let us now hear from Captain Nielsen about his first encounter with the new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Thank you.
Ends/Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Issued at HKT 22:33
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