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Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Henry Tang, at the Welcome Reception for "Hong Kong Salutes the World" cum the Launch Ceremony of "2006 Hong Kong Shopping Festival" today (June 24):
Selina (Chow), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure to welcome all of you to this joyful event. We have double excitement this evening. First, we have hundreds of international travel trade partners and media friends who specially travel to Hong Kong to join the "Hong Kong Salutes the World" programme. Second, we will, in a moment, celebrate the launch of the "2006 Hong Kong Shopping Festival".
Hong Kong has long prided itself as a premier tourism destination in the region. Last year, the visitor arrivals broke another new record of 23 million, with total inbound tourism expenditure exceeded US$13.5 billion.
To further strengthen our position, we have invested over US$4 billion in developing new tourist attractions. The major ones included the Hong Kong Disneyland, a "must-go" destination for families in the region; Asia World-Expo, a superb facilities for business travellers; the Hong Kong Wetland Park, a world-class conservation, education and eco-tourism facility; and "Ngong Ping 360" which offers a 20-minute cable-car ride to the religious-themed attractions on the beautiful island of Lantau.
Tourism is, of course, much more than just sight-seeing. So let us now turn to another core strength of Hong Kong ﷿ a paradise for shoppers and gourmets. This year's Hong Kong Shopping Festival is a major highlight of "2006 Discover Hong Kong Year". The Festival will last for two months, offering irresistible experience for our visitors with astonishing diversity, cutting-edge style, and amazing value that can be found everywhere in this city. There will also be dazzling complementary events, including an "Aqua Fantasia" water show and special pyrotechnic displays for "A Symphony of Lights" which you will see in just a few minutes' time.
The Hong Kong Shopping Festival is the fruit of joint efforts of players in our tourism industry, including the Hong Kong Tourism Board, travel agents, retail business and the sponsors. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your contribution and support.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are most privileged to have your company this evening. I wish the "2006 Hong Kong Shopping Festival" every success, and all our overseas guests an enjoyable and memorable stay in Hong Kong. Thank you very much.
Ends/Saturday, June 24, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:30
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