Stars do their bit in race to bring glam back to HK

Star-studded promotional videos featuring Cantopop stars Aaron Kwok Fu-shing, Sammi Cheng Sau-man and Kelly Chen Wai-lam will be uploaded to over 3,000 global platforms to promote Hong Kong to the international community.

The Tourism Board expects the video to reach an audience of 200 million.

With Hong Kong being one of the last to reopen after more than three years of the pandemic, board executive director Dane Cheng Ting-yat said HK$100 million will be spent on campaign promotions, including the promotional videos, to get the city's tourism sector to overseas exhibitions, as well as to welcome overseas representative to experience in Hong Kong.

In the one-minute video, Kwok, dubbed "the dancing king," pranced on Pottinger Street in Central, also known as the "Stone Slabs Street" and the West Kowloon Cultural District, Cheng ran on The Peak and Chen welcomed tourists in a cha chaan teng with signature Hong Kong style French toast and milk tea.

The three stars told people that Hong Kong is ready to "say Hello to everyone" from all over the world in three languages - Cantonese, Putonghua and English.

"As you all know, Hong Kong has a lot of exciting activities and attractions for families and friends, we have prepared a lot of offers and excitement to welcome you back. See you in Hong Kong!" Chen says.

Celebrities and business leaders from the world also featured in more 250 "Hello Hong Kong" videos, including South Korean singer Rain, globally-acclaimed pianist Niu Niu, Thai celebrity Nokky Merszel, Japanese award-winning film composer Yusuke Hatano and Brazilian famous chef Rafa Gil.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-Chiu also welcomes tourists in English and Putonghua in a video.

"Hello From Hong Kong! A world city like no other, extends the warmest welcome to you," he says.

"Be inspired by new opportunities, new facilities, new experiences and so much more. Come and rediscover Asia's world city for yourself. See you in Hong Kong!" he added.

The large-scale tourism campaign also highlights some 250 business, cultural and tourism events, including those that had been suspended for three years because of the pandemic crisis.

At the launch, Lee said the city will be hosting sports and outdoor events in the next two months including the Hong Kong Marathon, the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament and the 100-kilometer Trailwalker.

For arts and cultural events, there will be the Art Basel, the Museum Summit and the Arts Festival.

Hong Kong will also host top trade shows, exhibitions and competitions like the International Jewellery Show, the WOW Summit and the Vis East Moot.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said major events will be organized, including the Wine and Dine Festival and Cyclothon in October and New Year's Eve countdown as well as a Museum Summit from March 24 to 25 and the city's first pop culture festival this year.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said authorities plan to invite about 1,000 VIPs from overseas, including business leaders, political leaders and think tank and media representatives.
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