Michael Lim and Karisa Lui of the Hong Kong Tourism Board
Peking duck, part of the 10 course dinner
Students from Hong Kong's La Salle College
The Chinese sure know how to throw a celebration - and when it came to Chinese New Year, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) didn't disappoint. The HKTB invited 100 of its friends to Toronto's Crown Princess Fine Dining restaurant last week for its annual appreciation dinner. A traditional banquet of more than 10 courses was served, complete with Peking duck, seafood soup, lobster and many more Chinese delicacies. It was a real feast.
The night was all about ringing in the Year of the Dragon and acknowledging HKTB's supporters. HKTB's Assistant Marketing Manager, Karisa Lui, was dressed for the occasion and welcomed guests with a quick speech. A real treat was the performance put on by students from Hong Kong's La Salle College. Thirty boys from the prestigious institution's Chinese Orchestra came to YTO during their new year holiday and delighted guests with 4 different instrumental pieces.
The first performance, titled Hundreds of Birds Greeting a Village, was playful, energetic and played only by wind instruments. The song represents a celebration and is usually performed to welcome guests to an important event or occasion. The other 3 pieces all related to the festivities of Chinese New Year and were played by traditional Chinese instruments as well.
The songs were unique, upbeat and guests were captivated by how talented these young boys were. Everyone was beaming at the end of the set and the boys received an extended standing ovation. It was a great way to start off the evening and exciting to experience a bit of Chinese culture.
Tourism is one of the 4 major sources of income for Hong Kong along with trading and logistics, business and economics and professional services. According to Michael Lim, HKTB's Director for Canada, Central and South America, in 2011, Hong Kong received 40.92 million visitors, 410,591 of whom were Canadian. The numbers are astounding and they continue to grow each year. For 2012, Michael says the HKTB will try to market the fast-paced city as the art capital of Asia and will also promote it as an outdoor destination with fantastic hiking trails, majestic mountains and beautiful beaches.
The Chinese celebrate more than just the New Year and throw numerous festivals all year round. Some to mention are the Spring Lantern Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, Mid Autumn Festival and the Winter Solstice Festival. As a result, the Year of the Dragon definitely has the HKTB and travellers excited.
Karisa told guests that the dragon is a mythological creature from Chinese folklore that symbolizes good luck, power and strength. With the Dragon on their side, the HKTB is predicting a successful 2012. And since it seems as though Hong Kong will be in "celebration mode" throughout the entire year, now is a great time to visit.
