Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Hong Kong Disneyland - "Momentous" Premiere today (June 14):
 
Michael (Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Mr Michael Moriarty), friends from the travel trade, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good evening. It's great to be back.
 
     Despite the daunting challenges of COVID, Hong Kong Disneyland just keeps thinking bolder. And what can be bigger, more awe-inspiring, than "Momentous," a multi-media storytelling spectacular after five years in the dreaming and creating. 
 
      "Momentous" takes the full splendour of the Castle of Magical Dreams as its stage, then reaches far above and beyond it – into our hearts and our imagination.
 
     I'm told - and that can't wait to see - how "Momentous" transforms the Castle, and all that surrounds it, into a living, breathing multimedia storybook, celebrating the joy and wonder of life's journey. We need all the joy and wonder, all the hope and promise, we can find these days and nights.
 
     Tourism has been among the hardest-hit sectors of our economy under the pall of the pandemic. Which makes the innovative spirit of Hong Kong Disneyland, and the resilience of our travel trade in general, all the more remarkable. 
 
     The Government is keenly aware of the challenges the trade is facing. And we have been doing everything we can to encourage business, while containing COVID.
 
     Some HK$4.5 billion in funding support has been given to the trade over the past two years or so, to help it stay afloat while preparing to welcome back a world of visitors.  
 
     That including relaxation of social distancing measures as soon as we possibly could.
 
     It includes, too, the second round of Consumption Vouchers to stimulate momentum, as well as the Hong Kong Tourism Board's "Spend-to-Redeem" local tours and staycation delights programme.
 
     These, and other measures, are beginning to make a difference. Soon enough, I'm hopeful we can turn the tourism tide. 
 
     Rest assured, we will continue to put a priority in resuming normal, cross-boundary travel with the Mainland. 
 
     But that's only a start. Down the road, the Greater Bay Area, and its market of more than 86 million consumers, will offer boundless promise for our tourism industry and the rich entertainment, culture and heritage resources we're blessed with.
 
     That certainly includes Hong Kong Disneyland, a critical element in our flagship tourism offerings.
 
     After all, the power of Disney magic has attracted more than 88 million guests to Hong Kong Disneyland since its opening in 2005, the number I am sure will soar in the coming months, and years.

     If I may, thank you for joining us despite the heavy rain. But you know, for us Chinese, water means fortune. So, for Disneyland, continuing prosperity. For all of you, good health and good fortune. Thank you.

Ends/Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Issued at HKT 22:23

NNNN