Budiey
Starting today until 1 January 2014, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will roll out “Hong Kong WinterFest” for the 12th consecutive year, with the highlight being “Wishes on the Wind” at Statue Square, Central. Instead of fairytale-inspired Christmas decorations, the centrepiece is a contemporary art installation comprising three larger-than-life steel dandelions, which will spread seeds of hope and good wishes amidst special music and lighting effects, creating blissful memories for visitors and local residents alike.
HKTB Executive Director Mr Anthony Lau said: “Leveraging Christmas and New Year, two popular holiday periods for travellers to visit Hong Kong, the HKTB is launching ‘Hong Kong WinterFest’ once again as our promotional platform for the season. Targeting young adults and families from short-haul markets, we are packaging and promoting a series of exciting events and activities, as well as shopping offers in the city, encouraging visitors to experience the festive ambience of Hong Kong’s winter holiday season. We also expect the promotion to generate new business opportunities for the tourism and related sectors.”
AMEX and DFS Group Limited Spread Dandelion Seeds of Christmas Blessings
Three dandelions, each measuring five storeys (15 metres) high, form the art installation “WISH”, created by young American artist Mr Robert James Buchholz and appearing in Hong Kong for the first time. The artwork also consists of 18 seeds, scattered in different corners of Statue Square. From 6pm each day during “Hong Kong WinterFest”, the installation will be lit up, with the lighting effects, in tandem with music, adding colour and a festive spirit to the busy Central district.
“Wishes on the Wind”, the highlight of this year’s “Hong Kong WinterFest”, is jointly presented by American Express International, Inc. and T Galleria by DFS. In addition to appreciating the “WISH” installation, visitors and local residents will be able to write and put up greeting cards at Statue Square. HKTB’s partnership with American Express International, Inc, and T Galleria by DFS will herald an extraordinary festive spirit to town by offering the American Express Santa House including a variety of dining and shopping privileges exclusive to Card Members, as a befitting close for 2013.
During the “Hong Kong WinterFest”, American Express and DFS Group Limited will also provide visitors with an array of shopping offers. Complementing this, the HKTB will promote seasonal programmes and special discounts offered by major attractions, shopping malls, dining districts and hotels, spreading festivities the way the dandelions spread their seeds of warm wishes.
Aaron Aziz Shares His Favourite Hong Kong Haunts
On top of these exciting partnerships, HKTB’s collaboration with local celebrity Aaron Aziz is set to transform Malaysians’ year-end holiday experience, with his recommended travel-to-Hong Kong itineraries specifically customised to give Muslim visitors an experience of Hong Kong’s exotic and diverse appeal. The incredibly friendly actor has personally created four thematic itineraries that highlight his favourite Hong Kong locations to satisfy his ample cravings for retail therapy, mouth-watering local treats and sense of adventure.
In conjunction with the Hong Kong WinterFest, Aaron Aziz recommends Malaysians to embrace family bonding and love by experiencing the vibrant cityscape of Asia’s World City in the most romantic way. Aaron’s ‘Romance’ itinerary encapsulates his romantic reminiscences with his wife every time they visit Hong Kong. “Hong Kong is our top holiday destination in Asia and we have had countless of unforgettable treasured moments there. We want to share these marvellous experiences with our fellow Muslim visitors and wish them the best of festivities and love this holiday season.”
Aaron’s Romance-themed itinerary includes unique attractions such The Peak; the highest point on Hong Kong Island, Aqua Luna; a luxurious Chinese sailing antique, and The Symphony of Lights; the spectacular light and sound show at Victoria Harbour.
Malaysians who are busy planning for their year-end getaway can hop on to the Discover Hong Kong (http://www.discoverhongkong.com) to explore and download Aaron Aziz’s recommended itineraries themed Family Fun, Family Adventure, Cosmopolitan and Romance at http://bit.ly/AaronAzizHK. All itineraries are available in both Malay and English. Alternatively, Malaysians can follow Aaron Aziz on Facebook (www.facebook.com/aaronmustaphaaziz) and Twitter (twitter.com/AaronDwiAziz) for updates on Hong Kong travel.
