IT’S ‘SMALL WORLD’ HONG KONG AT SHANGHAI

A miniature display of Hong Kong’s most popular attractions has become the focal point of one of Shanghai’s major thoroughfares.

The Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) has erected two eye-catching models of the historical Tsim Sha Tsui clock tower and a double-decker tram near the main entrance to the Shanghai No 2 & Novel Department Store until 20 November in support of the 2000 Shanghai Tourism Festival and Huai Hai Road 100th Anniversary Celebrations.

Images of Hong Kong’s famous shopping and dining district Causeway Bay, the financial heart of Central and Ocean Park are featured on both sides of the tram.

HKTA Chairman The Hon Mrs Selina Chow, JP, took time to view the display during her visit to the 2000 Shanghai Tourism Festival earlier this month.

Mrs Chow said: “I am delighted to see that these Hong Kong miniatures in Huai Hai Road are attracting a number of visitors. It is very encouraging to see Shanghai’s tourism industry thriving. We at the HKTA hope that Hong Kong and Shanghai — the two ‘pearls of the Orient’ — will continue to shine and contribute together to the development of China’s tourism industry.”

Apart from providing information on Hong Kong’s tourist attractions, the HKTA is also offering visitors a free photo-taking service in front of the miniature tram.

The HKTA’s ability to reach the more affluent Mainland market and step up liaison with the travel trade was enhanced in 1999 with the opening of a representative office in Shanghai, the second HKTA office in China after Beijing.