The Hong Kong Tourism Board
(HKTB) started a program called "My Hong Kong Family" on Sunday in an attempt to
promote the city as the ultimate family destination, not just for leisure, but
also business visitors.
Local families were invited to design a visit route and guide for an overseas
family around the city, thus helping visitors discover and experience Hong
Kong's distinctive culture and lifestyle.
Officiating at the program's opening ceremony, HKTB Executive Director Clara
Chong said that the board is striving to extend thetourism footprint to all
corners of Hong Kong, and bringing more of the population into contact with
visitors.
"We know that many visitors are not only interested in sightseeing, shopping
and dining, but also experiencing the livingculture and traditions of Hong
Kong," the Director said.
"In organizing the program, we aim to foster closer exchanges between local
and overseas families, and enable the visitors to rub shoulders with friendly
locals, live within our culture, and discover the unique, multi-faceted
experiences of our city," she added.
Hong Kong has already identified family travelers as one of itskey target
segments when planning the 2006 Discover Hong Kong Yearcampaign through measures
like the opening of Hong Kong Disneylandlast September.
The tourism board hoped to package its existing attractions, such as Ocean
Park, museums and hiking and heritage trails for family groups.
From March 20 to April 25, participants will be required to design a two-day
travel itinerary and submit an essay and 15 winning families will be selected to
become Discover Hong Kong Year Family Ambassadors.