Hong Kong is planning its the grandest New Year's Eve firework display on December 31, 2023. A 12-minute fireworks musical will light up the Hong Kong skyline, which tourism leaders say will surpass any seen before in scale. The façade of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) will be adorned with a large-scale countdown clock. At midnight, the numerals 2024 will light up the harborfront building, setting off a synchronized display of fireworks, fusion music and a vibrant light show. The fireworks will take the audience through the four seasons from winter to the bright colours of summer. To build the atmosphere to midnight, a pre-show session will occur every 15 minutes beginning at 11:00 pm. Pyrotechnics will shoot from the rooftops of three prominent harborfront high-rises on Hong Kong Island, illuminating the sky in four different colours. The New Year countdown spectacle will be streamed worldwide.

Hong Kong is easy to visit on your own as a first-time or return visitor. The must-visit places can be covered in one day, including a half-day walk around bustling Kowloon, on the southern tip of the China mainland (and maybe a short subway or taxi ride to Sham Shui Po).  Lunch on street food or at a Michelin Star restaurant and then jump on the famed Star Ferry for a quick ride over to Hong Kong Island and walk over for the cable car up Victoria Peak to view the skyline, Victoria Harboir, surrounding islands, and luxury residential areas.   Then check out Old Town Central and its numerous famed markets on foot and return to Kowloon by ferry or subway (reverse itinerary if your hotel is on Hong Kong Island). Due to slow car traffic, you are better off walking or taking their easy-to-use subway system. There is an array of stunning open-air experiences for hiking and cycling, to view and experience vintage Hong Kong, since 40% of the region's land is designated as country parks.   Tour guide Virginia Chan recommends offbeat (and off-the-beaten-track) tips to discover unique sides to Hong Kong, away from the crowds:   Hiking to Lion Rock, is the best way to escape the city The trail starts at Tsz Wan Kok Temple.   The 2.5-hour hike to Lion Rock offers amazing panoramic views over Kowloon, towards Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island.   Bike from Tai Po to Tai Mei Tuk Along the way, you'll pass by the Fung Yuen butterfly reserve as well as Tai Wong Yeh temple, built in the 18th Century. Most striking of all, however, is the huge 76m white statue of Guan Yin, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, at Tsz Shan Monastery. For this relatively easy ride, you can rent your bike and helmet near the start of the trail at Tai Po market, then return it at their shop near Tai Mei Tuk from where you walk into the village. See vintage Hong Kong: Lai Chi Wo Lai Chi Wo is one of the best-preserved Hakka walled villages in Hong Kong that sits within the 150 sq km Unesco Hong Kong Geopark in the northern New Territories region. The only way to get there is a two-hour hike or on a small, slow ferry that runs on weekends and public holidays. Whichever way you choose. Read the full article by Chris Dwyer on BBC ‘Virginia Chan's six offbeat experiences in Hong Kong’ here.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has appointed Anette Wendel-Menke as Director, UK and Northern Europe. She will be based out of the tourism board’s London office. Anette will oversee the HKTB’s strategic direction across marketing, PR, trade relations and MICE. “I am looking forward to working with the UK and Northern Europe travel industries,” she said. “I am confident that we will continue to build off the excellent work to promote Hong Kong tourism.” She has worked for the HKTB since 1999, working up to Director, Central Europe based in Frankfurt. The HKTB is currently recruiting for her replacement in that role. Kenneth Wong, GM MICE & Regional Director, Europe added “She will work with the team in London to develop comprehensive strategies for the success of our Hello Hong Kong campaigns.”

Hong Kong Christmas becomes a winter wonderland this festive season. Hong Kong WinterFest celebrates with yuletide events across the city.   Here's what to expect this festive season:   Christmas Town Hong Kong's arts centre, the West Kowloon Cultural District, is turned into Christmas Town. It is taken over by Christmas trees decorated with dazzling lights, against the backdrop of Hong Kong's skyline.   Unicorn Merry-Go-Round Paradise The Harbour City shopping centre transforms the Ocean Terminal Forecourt into Unicorn Merry-Go-Round Paradise, for fans of fairy tales. There are Christmas trees and unicorn décor, plus a pop-up shop with unicorn-themed gifts and food.   Christmas Wonderland Christmas Wonderland at the West Kowloon Cultural District showcases its festive lodges. Each has a special festive surprise inside, from live music to craft workshops. Santa Claus will also be there to meet kids.   A Disney Christmas Hong Kong Disneyland feaures varied Christmas celebrations this season with A Disney Christmas. Highlights include Disney Live in Concert, and the Holiday Wish-Come-True Tree Lighting. One guest every night is invited to lead the tree lighting celebrations.

One of Hong Kong’s most iconic attractions is back on track. The Peak Tram, which travels up Victoria Peak, has reopened. It spent a year closed during Covid for a majorHK$799m revamp. It includes a redeveloped terminus and new tramcar interiors. Asia’s oldest funicular dates back to 1888. Before the pandemic it carried over six million riders annually. The return ticket price has increased nearly 70%. "I hope all visitors will feel it's worth the price," said May Tsang, general manager of tram operator the Peak Complex. "We have to consider the increase in our operating costs and the long-term sustainability of our business."  

Hong Kong is finally lifting its foreign tourist i ban for the first time in over two years. Hong Kong said it would allow visitors from May 1, easing some of the world’ strictest border controls. The surprise move came after certain venues like gyms, cinemas and theme parks were allowed to reopen. Mandatory hotel quarantine is one week, and was previously 21 days as part of its ongoing zero-Covid policy. The city welcomed about 56 million visitors a year before the pandemic.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board welcomed an additional HK$600 million on top of its regular funding to help boost tourism recovery efforts. The HKTB will also earmark HK$100 million from its reserves for marketing initiatives. The HKTB will continue to drive local tourism for supporting the trade and stimulating the local economy while gearing up for international travel resumption, starting with promotions in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and other Mainland cities. When cross-boundary/border travel gradually resumes, the HKTB will launch various promotions to attract visitors. “The budget has specially allocated more resources for developing arts and culture and promoting cultural, heritage and green tourism projects. These initiatives not only help strengthen Hong Kong’s new positioning but also benefit the long-term development of the tourism industry tremendously,” HKTB Chairman Dr Y K Pang said. The HKTB always stands ready and remains agile in its work with consideration of the latest pandemic development, in order to drive the rapid recovery of the tourism industry.” The government also unveiled a three-year ‘Cultural and Heritage Sites Local Tour Incentive Scheme’, support for the ‘Green Lifestyle Local Tour Incentive Scheme’ and sponsoring training of tourism practitioners.