| 14 February 2010 |
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| Hong
Kong came alive tonight (14 February) with the staging of the Cathay
Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade, which marked the
start of a year-long programme of celebrations in “Festive Hong
Kong 2010”. Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the
Parade featured a stunning array of 14 brightly illuminated floats, and
13 overseas and 13 local performing groups from 14 countries and
regions, weaving their way along a new route in Tsim Sha Tsui. The
energy was matched by the crowd’s excitement, with the cheers of
visitors and residents ringing in the neon-lit streets, adorned with
giant decorations symbolising the different major festivals in Hong
Kong. The opening ceremony of the 2010 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade was performed by Mr John Tsang, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, along with Mr James Tien, Chairman of the HKTB; Mr Philip Yung, Commissioner for Tourism; and Mr John Slosar, Chief Operating Officer of Cathay Pacific Airways. This year, the Parade followed a new route, which included Nathan Road for the first time. Using Festive Hong Kong 2010 as the theme, the spectacle comprised four major parts – spring, summer, autumn and winter – showcasing Hong Kong’s fusion of Chinese and Western festivities throughout the year. Giant decorations symbolising a number of important festivals in Hong Kong, such as the Chinese bun for the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, Santa for Christmas and pumpkins for Halloween, were installed along the parade route. Before the Parade started, the HKTB arranged motivators to perform and play interactive games, as well as hand out cheering sticks to spectators along the route. Adding to the festive mood were Chinese sky lanterns and water lanterns, which were put up against the colourful backdrop of Tsim Sha Tsui’s neon signs. This year marked the 15th anniversary of the Chinese New Year Parade organised by the HKTB. For the 12th consecutive year, Cathay Pacific Airways was the title sponsor, while American Express International, Inc. sponsored the Parade route for the third year running. To sustain the excitement after the Parade, the HKTB has arranged a display of the floats, along with performances by the local and international performing groups in Tsim Sha Tsui, Sha Tin and Tai Po from the second to the eighth day of the Lunar New Year. (For more information about the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade, please refer to the attached factsheet) About Festive Hong Kong 2010 Festive Hong Kong 2010 is the annual marketing theme of the HKTB in 2010-11, which is designed for encouraging visitors to come experience the unique culture, as well as the colourful fusion of Chinese and Western festivities that could only be found in Hong Kong. Throughout the year, the HKTB will organise a series of mega events, which will be promoted along with the traditional festivals and cultural celebrations, as well as major events launched by third parties. The HKTB aims to further elevate Hong Kong’s image as the Events Capital of Asia, and create greater business opportunities for the tourism, retail, dining and service sectors of the city. Photo Caption I  (From left to right) Mr John Tsang, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2nd right), officiates at the opening ceremony, together with Mr Philip Yung, Commissioner for Tourism, Mr James Tien, Chairman of the HKTB and Mr John Slosar, Chief Operating Officer of Cathay Pacific Airways. Photo Caption II  The Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade gives a roaring start to Festive Hong Kong 2010. |
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