The Standard • 1st April 2025

Tourism 'game changer'

Ayra Wang Hong Kong could further brand itself as a must-go destination for tourists boosted by more golf facilities, according to industry veteran Dean Nelson. Nelson, general manager of Plover Cove Golf Club, operator of the city's soon-to-rise course in Shuen Wan, Tai Po, said golf tourism will help Hong Kong to attract more overnight visitors. "Hong Kong has great hospitality as a city and a lot of people, not just from the Greater Bay Area but from farther afield as Europe and Australia,...

The Standard • 1st April 2025

Neighborhood scenes come alive in arts headline events

Ayra Wang Hong Kong's vibrant neighborhood elements - including its iconic mahjong traditions, dynamic street art and community-inspired bars - will be showcased in the city's most prominent arts and cultural events this month, according to the Tourism Board. The four headline events - ComplexCon Hong Kong, HKwalls Street Art Festival, Art Central, and Art Basel Hong Kong - will highlight the city's unique local flavor while attracting global audiences. "HKTB also has connected with other ar...

The Standard • 1st April 2025

Pyrotechnic and laser shows to light up Hong Kong Sevens

A first-ever pyrotechnic display against the Kai Tak Stadium's open canopy roof, a dazzling laser show and various activities in Fan Village will be featured at the upcoming Hong Kong Sevens between March 28 and 30, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board.The city’s iconic rugby tournament, which will be held in the Kai Tak Sports Park this year for the first time, will see 30 elite rugby teams competing in 72 matches, which are expected to draw thousands of fans worldwide.Organized by HKTB, th...

The Standard • 1st April 2025

TST hotel sees surge after Muslim-friendly shift

Ayra Wang A Tsim Sha Tsui hotel has been rejuvenated after promoting Muslim-friendly facilities and services and has seen a significant increase in guests from Asean countries, which accounted for 20 percent of overall customers last year, a senior executive says. In an exclusive interview with The Standard, Alexander Otto Wassermann, Miramar Group's head of hotels and serviced apartments, said it is crucial for Hong Kong to cater to Muslim travelers' needs as the huge market will bring substa...

The Standard • 1st April 2025

A smorgasbord of Halal-friendly dishes

Ayra Wang Over 130 local restaurants and 39 hotels have obtained halal certifications as Hong Kong is promoting Muslim-friendly facilities to attract more tourists from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Middle East. Speaking at a press conference at the IFC mall yesterday, Hong Kong Tourism Board deputy executive director Becky Ip Ching-tak said the Muslim tourism market has huge potential. "By 2028, 230 million Muslim visitors are expected with associated global tourism reven...

The Standard • 1st April 2025

Tourism 'opportunities abound' during Islamic festivals

Ayra Wang The catering, hotel and tourism sectors are being encouraged to tap into the growing Muslim-friendly tourism market by leveraging opportunities during Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Fitr, Commissioner for Tourism Angelina Cheung Fung Wing-ping said. Cheung's remarks came during the first-ever Ramadan Iftar dinner hosted by The Mira Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui on Tuesday, which welcomed nearly 200 guests, including local Muslims, diplomats, government officials and tourism representativ...

The Standard • 1st April 2025

Cruise passengers get to enjoy some wining and dining

Ayra Wang More than 8,000 mainlanders and overseas tourists from more than 30 jurisdictions are enjoying the harbor as three international cruise ships have docked in Hong Kong. Nearly 300 passengers from luxury cruise Silver Nova, calling on Hong Kong for the first time, joined the Wine and Dine Festival at Central Harbourfront yesterday afternoon. The organizer Hong Kong Tourism Board served an exclusive dinner, comprising traditional Chinese and Western dishes. Michelle Gurnee from Americ...

The Standard • 1st April 2025

Amazing hype for Hong Kong

Ayra Wang Hong Kong's iconic skyline, the majestic Big Buddha, the rich heritage of Cantonese opera, and the thrilling Bun Scrambling Competition in Cheung Chau have all been showcased in the opening episode of popular US TV show The Amazing Race. According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the city's vibrant culture and landmarks are set to captivate global audiences as the Emmy Award-winning reality series kicked off its highly anticipated 37th season. The season premiere on Wednesday featur...

The Standard • 1st April 2025

LIV Golf teaser for fans from GBA

Ayra Wang Hong Kong Golf Club captain Andy Kwok Wing-leung expressed high hopes that the LIV Golf event, set to tee off tomorrow, will draw visitors from the Greater Bay Area. Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference yesterday, Kwok highlighted the event's potential to boost tourism and showcase Hong Kong's appeal as a world-class destination. The three-day tournament, which is set to kick off tomorrow at the historic Fanling Golf Course, will feature various zones offering dining, appar...