CAPTURE THE CITY OF LIFE ON CAMERA, GET A SHOT AT WINNING A FREE VACATION

Visitors to Hong Kong can win themselves a trip back to the City of Life — and residents can win equally alluring prizes — in the City of Life: Hong Kong is it! International Photo Competition, launched today (8 December) by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).

Running from December 2001 to February 2002, the competition is designed to encourage people to explore the attractions, events and celebrations of Hong Kong’s 18 Districts that are featured in the City of Life: Hong Kong is it! tourism campaign and participate in its major forthcoming events – CLP Lights Up Hong Kong and the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Parade and Fiesta.

While there are separate categories for visitors and residents, the ground rules are the same. All entries must feature one of the City of Life: Hong Kong is it! events or attractions and, to quote the competition’s theme, “capture the enjoyment, fun and vibrancy of Hong Kong”.

The HKTB’s Executive Director Clara Chong said there had never been a better time for visitors and residents to make good use of their cameras, as Hong Kong would be looking more photogenic than ever in the next three months. “The harbour and many other districts will be swathed in enchanting decorative lights as part of our CLP Lights Up Hong Kong programme, while Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year Parade is world renowned for its colour and excitement,” she said.

With the generous support of a number of local organisations, the HKTB is offering 24 prizes in each category, worth more than HK$200,000 in total. They include Cathay Pacific round-trip tickets to or from Hong Kong; Heliservices helicopter tours; four-night, double room accommodation at top hotels; and shopping coupons.

A number of well-known photographers will form the panel of adjudicators, including Chin Man Lei; Chairman of Hong Kong Press Photographers Association, Leung Man-fai; Oscar-winning cinematographer Peter Pau; photographer/fashion designer William Tang; Chairman of the Hong Kong Institute of Professional Photographers, Wong Wai-kwok; and Chairman of The Photographic Society of Hong Kong, Yam Sik. They will be joined by Deputy Commissioner for Tourism, Duncan W Pescod and HKTB’s General Manager – Strategic Planning and Marketing Communications, Jacqueline Tong.

Entry forms in a choice of three languages (Chinese, English and Japanese) are available from December 2001 onwards at HKTB Visitor Information and Services Centres; the Public Enquiry Service Centres at Hong Kong’s 18 District Offices; major performing venues, civic centres, libraries and museums of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department; Macau Ferry Terminal, Ocean Terminal and China Ferry Terminal; the General Post Office in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office in Middle Road.

Judging will take place in the third quarter of 2002. Winning entries will be announced and displayed on the DiscoverHongKong.com Web site, where the excitement captured on film will help encourage more visitors to come and explore the City of Life for themselves. The winning photographs may also be used for future publicity and promotion of Hong Kong’s tourism industry.

The HKTB is organising the City of Life: Hong Kong is it! campaign in co-operation 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 with The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust as principal sponsor.