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Travel and Tourism
International Art Fair and International Cotton Association Trade Conference. Also in 2012, Hong Kong won the right to host a number of large-scale MICE events, including USANA Asia-Pacific Convention 2013, SIGGRAPH Asia 2013, China New Energy Vehicle Show 2013, E-Commerce 2013, Wikimania 2013, 38th Asia-Pacific Dental Congress 2016, 2017 CFA Institute Annual Conference, 33rd Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress 2018 and Asia-Pacific Congress on Clinical Microbiology and Infection 2018.
Cruise Tourism
Construction of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal continues, and the terminal building and the first berth are expected to commence operation in mid-2013, with the second berth due for completion in 2014. In March, Worldwide Cruise Terminals Consortium (a joint venture of Worldwide Flight Services, Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited and Neo Crown Limited) was appointed the operator of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.
The Central People's Government's announcement in June 2012 that Mainland tour groups taking cruises from Hong Kong to Taiwan can also visit Japan or Korea on the same cruise will enable cruise operators to offer more attractive itineraries.
Mega Events
In recognition of the fact that large-scale events enrich visitors' travel experience and add colour and vibrancy to the city, the Government established the Mega Events Fund (MEF) in 2009 to encourage the staging of such events in Hong Kong. In April, the Legislative Council's Finance Committee approved $150 million to fund the MEF for a further five years to attract more mega events to Hong Kong. Since its establishment, the MEF has provided funds to 21 events.
In 2012, the HKTB organised a number of mega events to attract visitors to the city, including the International Chinese New Year Parade; the 8th International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew World Championships, which brought in more than 5,000 athletes from some 180 club crews based in 21 countries and regions; the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival; the Hong Kong WinterFest; and the New Year Countdown Celebrations.
Green Tourism
In November, the HKTB organised the 'Great Outdoors Hong Kong!' programme for the fourth year, which took visitors on a number of Hong Kong's hiking trails. Guided tours are provided free of charge and participants are given a guidebook to these trails, the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China, and the outlying islands.
Tourism Infrastructure, Facilities and Products
Hong Kong offers a wide range of attractions to visitors. There is something for everyone - the sightseer, the food lover, the shopper, the family, the businessman, the leisurely traveller, the young and the old. The most popular spot for sightseers is the Peak, which provides a panoramic view of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the magnificent Victoria Harbour. Other popular attractions include the theme parks, temples, heritage sites, natural
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