Four key elements sweeping across 10 days, oozing delicacies and festivity to all corners of Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will stage the 10-day “Hong Kong Food and Wine Year Spotlight Events” from 30 October to 8 November 2009, bringing the excitement of the “Hong Kong Food and Wine Year” promotions to new heights.
The 10-day celebration will present Hong Kong’s delectable gastronomic experience to visitors and local residents. Featuring fine wine, food and entertainment, the events will comprise four key elements: the first-ever large-scale outdoor wine and dine event in Hong Kong, street carnivals organised by major food districts, a sparkling array of activities put together by the catering and tourism sectors, and a series of dining and drinking offers. The Spotlight Events will coincide with the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Fair organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), further manifesting Hong Kong’s strengths as a ‘Gourmet Paradise’.
Mr Anthony Lau, Executive Director of the HKTB said: “The HKTB will embark on a series of promotions in various source markets to publicise the ‘Hong Kong Food and Wine Year Spotlight Events’, the anchor activities of the Hong Kong Food and Wine Year. On top of inviting overseas trade partners and international media to experience first-hand the excitement of the spectacular events, so as to generate further exposure of our city, we will collaborate with travel trade partners on a series of package tours and itineraries themed on the Spotlight Events to pamper our visitors’ taste buds.”
Mr Lau continued: “We are very grateful to the tourism and catering partners, as well as the participating wine merchants, for their wonderful support and collaboration to enrich the activities and appeal of the 10-day Spotlight Events. Through these events, we hope to generate a business platform for the industry, stimulate the spending of visitors, and enhance their experience of Hong Kong.”
Anchor event – Hong Kong’s first-ever large-scale outdoor fine wine and gourmet event
To kick-start the “Hong Kong Food and Wine Year Spotlight Events”, the HKTB will stage the “Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival” – Hong Kong’s first-ever large-scale outdoor fine wine and gourmet event. The spectacle will be held at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade between 30 October and 1 November (Friday to Sunday), during which visitors and residents can indulge themselves in the perfect pairing of wine and food, as well as enchanting music, against the beautiful backdrop of Victoria Harbour.
Approximately 140 booths will be set up at the venue to showcase the finest brews from different origins, local award-winning specialities and classic gourmet. The booths will provide visitors with tips on pairing fine wine and food. Participants can also join on-site wine appreciation classes presented by professional sommeliers.
The mouth-watering “Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival” is equally entertaining. During each evening, the HKTB will present various forms of entertainment, including different live music performances, dance performance and multi-media light and music shows. Art installations will also be displayed at the venue, which will provide excellent backdrop for photo-taking by visitors and residents.
The finale – Central District takes the baton to host large-scale carnival
To tie in with the “Hong Kong Food and Wine Year Spotlight Events”, distinctive street carnivals will take place at two renowned food districts in Central, namely Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo on 6-8 November (Friday to Sunday), allowing visitors and residents to enjoy two unique delightful experiences in the same district simultaneously. The Lan Kwai Fong Carnival 2009, to be held at Lan Kwai Fong in Central, will evolve around the theme of South American passion; while the SoHo Wine & Dine Carnival, first held at SoHo Food District, will take the theme of ‘Village on the Hill’ centred upon fine wine, delicacies and fine music. The two carnivals will altogether feature around 110 booths to primarily provide wine, food and interactive games. A series of live art performance and entertainment will also take place to hype up the excitement.
Special activities and concessions throughout 10 days
An array of activities presented by other local food districts, as well as catering and tourism sectors, will also be available throughout the 10-day “Hong Kong Food and Wine Year Spotlight Events”, offering visitors endless sensational experience. These include Sai Kung Seafood Festival, the Hong Kong International Wine Exhibition by HKTDC, and such tourism products as Celebrity Gourmet Tours, Wine Cellar Tour and “Taste Hong Kong Pass”.
In addition, various forms of privileges will be extended by a number of hotels and restaurants at major tourist districts during the “Hong Kong Food and Wine Year Spotlight Events”, including free corkage service, buy-one, get-one free, complimentary dishes or beverages, and special discount menus, which are designed to stimulate greater spending by visitors and encourage them to explore the diverse culinary and wine experiences of Hong Kong.
