YAU TSIM MONG DISTRICT: HONG KONG’S ‘NUMBER ONE’ RECOMMENDATION

The Kowloon District of Yau Ma Tei, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok (Yau Tsim Mong) — already on every visitor’s “must see” itinerary — will become the first to be highlighted next month as part of the City of Life: Hong Kong is it! tourism campaign.

Between September 2001 and February 2003, each of Hong Kong’s 18 Districts will take its turn under the spotlight to promote their attractions and tourism-related activities as a “Recommendation of the Month”.

To mark the occasion, a ceremony was held today (29 August) at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, officiated by Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) The Hon Mrs Selina Chow, JP; Deputy Director of Home Affairs Ms Grace Lui, JP; Assistant Director (Performing Arts) of Leisure and Cultural Services Department Mr Chung Ling-hoi, JP; Deputy Commissioner for Tourism Mrs Erika Hui; Yau Tsim Mong District Officer Mr Augustine Choi, JP; Chairman of Yau Tsim Mong District Council Mr Chow Chun-fai, BBS, JP; and Chairman of Yau Tsim Mong Tourism Working Group Mr Chiu Yue-hei, BBS, JP.

A series of activities featured during “Recommendation of the Month: Yau Tsim Mong” were announced today. HKTB Chairman The Hon Mrs Selina Chow, JP, said that the wide selection of shopping, attractions, cultural activities and events in Yau Tsim Mong fully showcase the diversity and the true essence of the City of Life. “The HKTB is holding a vigorous promotion to beat the drum for the District,” she said.

“We will be distributing welcome kits to visitors at the airport, our Visitor Information and Services Centres, and through the travel trade, featuring information about recommended sights, events and festivals for the ‘Recommendation of the Month’.”

The Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower has witnessed Hong Kong’s changes and development over the past 80 years. Declared a historic monument in 1990, the tower has never before been open for public viewing since the whole building was completed and came into operation in 1921. For the “Recommendation of the Month”, however, tourists and residents will next month have free admission between 10:00am and 6:00pm daily. The Antiquities & Monuments Office will set up a display inside the Tower featuring pictures and information on its historic architecture. Each tour will last around 15 minutes. To avoid long queues, staff will be distributing admission tickets with scheduled visiting times everyday. Once visitors hold tickets they need return at the designated time.

The Yau Tsim Mong District is also renowned for an incredible range of shopping options: modern malls and department stores; world-renowned night markets and factory outlets. It is also one of the earliest districts, where visitors catch glimpses into traditional Chinese urban life as they explore these old neighbourhoods.

During the September “Recommendation of the Month”, shopping malls, hotels and outdoor markets in Yau Tsim Mong will be decorated to tie in with the promotion. The HKTB will also set up City of Life: Hong Kong is it! displays at the entrance to Kowloon Park (near the Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre) to greet visitors and residents alike. Adding local flavour to the promotion, restaurants and hotels in the district will provide special offers on food and drink.

Creating an even more festive ambience, a series of activities have been scheduled by the Yau Tsim Mong District Office, Yau Tsim Mong District Council and the private sector. Musical performances will take place in Courtyard 3, Harbour City New Extension, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, during the following periods:

Thursdays and Fridays: 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays 4:00pm to 6:00pm

This year, the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival falls on 1 October. Yau Tsim Mong District Office and Yau Tsim Mong District Council is organising a “Yau Tsim Mong Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival” beginning 7:30pm on 30 September (Sunday) in Kowloon Park, with Chinese dance performances, lion and dragon dances and game stalls.

Today’s launch also coincides with the opening of the HKTB’s first Visitor InfoPoint at the Public Enquiry Centre (PEC) in the Yau Tsim Mong District Office. The InfoPoint commences service next month as part of a pilot scheme supported by the Home Affairs Department. Another InfoPoint will be installed at the PEC in Wan Chai District Office by early next year.

With direct links to the HKTB’s Web site at DiscoverHongKong.com and the multilingual Visitor Hotline, the Visitor InfoPoint provides visitors and residents with the most up-to-date information on Hong Kong’s attractions, events and festivals. Promotional literature will also be available.

The InfoPoint will heighten the awareness of visitors and residents of Hong Kong, the most popular single destination in Asia. With better knowledge about their home, residents can be better hosts and build Hong Kong’s hospitality image and reputation.

The HKTB is organising City of Life: Hong Kong is it! in co-operation with the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Home Affairs Department, Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Tourism Commission, and the 18 District Councils, with the generous support of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust as Principal Sponsor.