Dreams come true in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has made dreams come true for 22 winners in the My Hong Kong Dream promotion. The promotion has been organised by the HKTB as part of its worldwide efforts to promote the events and activities of Hong Kong WinterFest.

The 22 winners of free trips to Hong Kong, most of whom will arrive in time to join the Switch-On Ceremony this Sunday (1 December), were asked to list the things they dreamed most of doing or seeing during a visit to the City of Life. Many of the winners were family groups whose dream centred on popular tourist attractions like Ocean Park and Teddy Bear Kingdom. On the other hand, the dream of the United States winners was to experience cultural aspects of Hong Kong such as Po Lin Monastery, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery.

As well as enjoying the city's wide variety of tourist attractions, winners from Mainland China and Korea will be able to meet some of their favourite Hong Kong artistes and singers during their visit - ensuring that dreams really do come true in the Events and Entertainment Capital of Asia.

The winner from Canada said her biggest dream was to come to Hong Kong to accompany her father, whose eyesight is deteriorating, and enjoy the festive lighting, decorations and scenic views together.

My Hong Kong Dream has been organised by the HKTB in conjunction with a number of different media partners, including TV and radio stations, newspapers, magazines and Web sites in various markets. To add to the fun and excitement of their free trip, winners of the competitions will be able to enjoy the spectacular events on offer during Hong Kong WinterFest.

The winners come from nine major markets: the United States, Canada, Mainland China, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. Media groups from these markets are also visiting Hong Kong to follow their compatriots' experiences. Hotel accommodation for both the winners and the media groups is sponsored by Renaissance Harbour View Hotel and New World Renaissance Hotel.

On 1 December, the winners will attend the Switch-On Ceremony of the Xmas Wishing Tree, which will be co-ordinated with a 'lights up' of the buildings lining Victoria Harbour to mark the launch of the Hong Kong WinterFest programme of events. The 34-metre Xmas Wishing Tree is likely to gain recognition as a Guinness World Record for the world's "Largest All-weather Christmas Wishing Tree".

In addition to the Wishing Tree, a host of exciting activities and events will be on offer for visitors to enjoy this winter. They include various Themed Food Districts, the City of Life Street Carnival, which will take place between 20 and 22 December at Golden Bauhinia Square, and entertainment and food booths at the same location between 20 December 2002 and 5 January 2003.

Hong Kong WinterFest, which is organised by the HKTB and presented by New World Development Company Limited, is the fifth major event of the City of Life: Hong Kong is it! campaign. The tourism campaign is organised by the HKTB 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.