ENG-2009 — Page 367

Travel and Tourism | 295

Stars', was successfully held on November 13 and attracted 18 000 participants. Some visitors made special trips to Hong Kong to take part in this event.

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In addition, the HKTB organised a number of mega events to attract visitors. These included the annual Chinese New Year Parade, a 'Summer Pop Live in Hong Kong' concert of special appeal to young travellers, and a 'Wine and Dine Festival' from October 30 to November 8. The Wine and Dine Festival was rated one of the 'Top 10 International Food and Wine Festivals' by Forbes Traveller.

Green Tourism

In October, the HKTB launched a brand new promotion 'Great Outdoors Hong Kong!', which took visitors on hikes along different sections of the MacLehose Trail the longest of its kind in Hong Kong under a complimentary guided tour scheme that also provided a specially designed guidebook.

On November 3, the Hong Kong National Geopark was opened. This reveals some of Hong Kong's most spectacular geological and topographical features and aims to foster the development of green tourism.

Tourism Infrastructure, Facilities and Products

Hong Kong offers a wide range of attractions to its 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. The nearby Peak Tram, with a history of 121 years is also a Hong Kong icon.

Other popular sites are the theme parks, temples, heritage sites, natural landscapes, and the numerous shops that have earned the city's reputation as a 'shoppers' paradise'.

Ocean Park

The redevelopment project of Ocean Park is in full swing. Upon completion in 2012, it will further boost the park's reputation as a world-class marine-themed park featuring more than 70 attractions. New attractions are being introduced in phases. In April 2009, the park unveiled the world's first integrated indoor and outdoor multi-Asian-species exhibit Amazing Asian Animals and welcomed four rare red pandas from the Mainland. The new funicular system connecting the Summit and the Waterfront Ocean Express - was opened in September 2009.

A Symphony of Lights

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Another attraction that has captivated visitors is the nightly spectacle 'A Symphony of Lights', which the Guinness World Records describes as the world's 'largest permanent light and sound show'. It features interactive lights beamed from 44 buildings on both sides of the harbour, revealing a vibrant, stunning Victoria Harbour at night. The display is accompanied by music.