The Ding Ding tram is 110 years old！Focusing on Taiwanese travelers, Hong Kong promotes “interesting” attractions

Reported by You t
ru / Taipei

Last year, the total number of Taiwanese visitors to Hong Kong was about 2.1 million, a slight increase of 0.5%. Among them, the number of overnight visitors rose by 4.2%, and those staying overnight for vacation purposes saw an even greater increase of 8.4%, clearly showing that Hong Kong remains one of the favorite travel destinations for Taiwanese.Xu Weini, Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board's Taiwan Officesaid that there are over 450 weekly flights between Taiwan and Hong Kong, and especially this year, there are six consecutive holiday periods, making it the best time to visit Hong Kong. She advises the public to plan their holidays early.

 
▲ Last year, the total number of Taiwanese visitors to Hong Kong was about 2.1 million, among which overnight visitors increased by 4.2%, and those staying overnight for vacation purposes rose by 8.4%, clearly showing that Hong Kong remains one of the favorite travel destinations for Taiwanese. (Photo / Provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board)

In 2014, the Hong Kong Tourism Board will adopt the theme“2014 Hong Kong – Something Interesting”as its promotional focus, highlighting areas and attractions that Taiwanese travelers have visited less in the past. From four “interesting” perspectives — stylish, indulgent, playful, and romantic — the board aims to introduce Hong Kong in a way that rekindles Taiwanese people’s fresh impressions of this long-time friend. Central and Sheung Wan in Hong Kong blend Western fashion with local culture, making it feel like you can travel the world just by walking around. There’s also the world’s longest outdoor escalator, offering a view of the uniquely hilly urban landscape. Additionally, Hong Kong’s iconic tram, affectionately called the “Ding Ding car” by locals, has been in service since 1904 and celebrates its 110th anniversary this year. It serves over 200,000 passengers daily and is an important cultural symbol of Hong Kong.


▲ The Hong Kong tram, affectionately known as the “Ding Ding car,” has been in service since 1904 and celebrates its 110th anniversary this year. It serves over 200,000 passengers daily and is an important cultural symbol of Hong Kong, with several activities to be launched around this date. (Photo / Provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board)


▲ Xu Weini, Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board's Taiwan Office (center in the photo); Marketing and PR Manager Chan Chun-man (right in the photo); and Deputy Manager of Marketing Communications Zhan Shuting (left in the photo). (Photo / Taken by reporter You t
ru)

Hong Kong Tramways has launched a series of activities under the theme “Carrying You and Me, Reflecting Life.” The first wave of events kicks off with movie stories inspired by trams, where 30 tram cars will be transformed into mobile light and shadow story galleries, displaying classic movie stills related to trams. The Whitty Street Depot will also be turned into an outdoor cinema, screening selected films set on trams. In June, there will be the “Station·Gallery” event, where Hong Kong Tramways collaborates with local artist Stella So to showcase her works at tram stations.

Xu Weini said that last year, the number of Taiwanese visitors choosing to stay overnight in Hong Kong increased by 8.2%, showing a continued rise in vacation travel to Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Tourism Board has partnered with various airlines and travel agencies to offer travel deals to Hong Kong. Airlines and agencies including China Airlines, EasyGo, Besta Travel, and Cola Tour offer a top-tier three-day-two-night Hong Kong getaway starting from NT$14,488 (taxes included), with hotel options including Sheraton, Harbour Grand Kowloon, Kowloon Shangri-La, and The Peninsula. Cathay Pacific’s “Wonderful Flying Itinerary” features a two-day-one-night package with a stay at Disneyland Hotel for NT$9,405 per person (for four people sharing one room), including two-day Disneyland tickets. EVA Air’s new annual package deals are also more affordable than before, with multiple hotel options for two days and one night starting from NT$6,300.