HONG KONG:City of lights even brighter for the holidays

Hong Kong's celebrated lights will be even brighter starting this month for the ''CLP Lights Up Hong Kong,'' the first major program of the City of Life: Hong Kong is it! tourism campaign.

CLP Power Hong Kong is the title sponsor.

Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) chairperson Selina Chow, JP, said that the HKTB is building on the city’s long-standing reputation for glittering festive displays over the Christmas and Lunar Year period.

To reinforce Hong Kong’s image as a spectacular destination, various attractions are being repackaged in this three-month extravaganza. The “CLP Lights Up Hong Kong” program is packed with perfect activities for families and travelers longing for romantic trips.

“The launch ceremony, scheduled for Dec. 9 comprises two sessions,” said Chow. “ First, there will be a condensed version of a spectacular musical fountain show entitled Aqua Fantasia at the Centenary Garden, Tsim Sha Tsui East. This four-minute spectacle is the first of its kind in Hong Kong.”

Meanwhile, the highlight of the second session is a five-and-a-half-minute blaze of searchlights and pyrotechnics on the waterfront near the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

“Hong Kong residents will enjoy the entire program in comfort on Television Broadcasts Limited’s (TVB) Jade Channel between 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. that night,” Chow added.

CLP Power Hong Kong Limited managing director, Michael Price said his company was honored to be the title sponsor of this major program.

“This program is especially meaningful to CLP Power as it reinforces our contribution to powering Hong Kong to a dynamic and cosmopolitan city it is today.”

Radio Television Hong Kong will produce and broadcast the program that will be shown during the Hong Kong SAR Government’s free airtime in Hong Kong and televised via satellite around the world.

Beginning Dec. 11, Aqua Fantasia shows will be held at the Centenary Garden. Visitors and residents will enjoy free of charge the full seven-minute shows taking place twice nightly on 32 selected evenings.

HKBT executive director Clara Chong said the Home Affairs Department and various District Councils and District Offices have been most supportive of this program in adding extra lighting decorations to the districts to create a citywide festive ambience. “To present Hong Kong’s magnificent night view to visitors during CLP Lights Up Hong Kong, our trade partners have organized a wide range of special evening tours and itineraries,” Chong said.

The HKBT is actively promoting CLP Lights Up Hong Kong through its worldwide offices to make Hong Kong the focus of festive celebrations right through to the Chinese New Year to attract more visitors.

CLP Lights Up Hong Kong is the first major event of the City of Life: Hong Kong is it! campaign, organized by the HKBT in cooperation with the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Home Affairs Department, Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Tourism Commission, with the support of the 18 District Councils and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Trust.