Stopover hotspot Hong Kong is worth a visit in its own right – Janine Kelso on new flights, hotels and attractions that add to its appeal
The Hong Kong Tourism Board, keen to capitalise on the increasing awareness of China following the Olympic Games, is working with tour operators such as Hayes and Jarvis and Wendy Wu Tours to ensure Hong Kong is a vital part of any China itinerary.
Between January and September, 415,323 UK tourists visited Hong Kong, down 2.8% on the same period last year due in part to the financial collapse of Oasis Hong Kong Airlines in April. More than 90% of visitors combine it with other destinations and, of these, about 30% visit mainland China.
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of northern Europe Simon Mills said: “People are attracted to Hong Kong because it offers a soft Asian experience, it’s a great mix of East meets West.”
Hayes and Jarvis regional product and contracts manager for the Far East Andrea Loddo said most of the operator’s bookings in Hong Kong are for stopovers. These are often as part of a longer itinerary that includes a beach stay, at resorts including Bali, Sanya and Mauritius.
For 2009, the operator has added two new hotels to its Hong Kong programme – the luxurious Grand Hyatt and the four-star Harbour Plaza.
New flights
Virgin Atlantic, which already operated a daily service from Heathrow to Hong Kong, added a three-times-weekly flight on October 28. This increased to a daily service
on December 4.
Cathay Pacific replaced one of its two Airbus A340-300s on the Heathrow-Hong Kong route with a Boeing 747-400 on October 26, providing an extra 92 seats per
day. Cathay flies from London to Hong Kong four times a day. The remaining A340 will be replaced by a 747 at a later date.
From December 4, there will be 75 direct flights a week from London to Hong Kong with the following airlines: Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Qantas and Air New Zealand.
New hotels
W Hotels has opened its first property in China, with the opening of W Hong Kong. Set in a waterfront skyscraper, the hotel features 393 guest rooms, including 42 suites, and has a great spa.
The Mira Hong Kong has recently reopened following a £28 million revamp of the lobby, guest rooms and suites. The hotel now has a new lounge bar, designer spa
and stylish cafe-patisserie.
The Langham Hong Kong now offers 270 new rooms with hand-woven carpets, silk drapes and oriental gold leaf artwork.
The five-star Harbour Grand Hong Kong is set to open in spring 2009. With 41 storeys, the 828-room hotel will enjoy views over Victoria Harbour and Kowloon peninsula skyline. It will have five restaurants and bars.
Cruise news
Costa Cruises is doubling its Hong Kong presence, introducing Costa Classica to Asia in early 2009.
Royal Caribbean’s new brand Azamara Cruises will call on Hong Kong in 2009 and 2010.
Other noteworthy new openings include Hong Kong’s first winery, 8th estate, which opened on November 29. It will produce wine under the direction of wine master Gianni Seminari using grapes from France, Italy and the US. Visit the8estatewinery.com for more information.
Dates for your diary
The city centre takes on a festive theme during Winterfest, from November 28 until January 4 2009, with glittering decorations, festive attractions and a giant Christmas tree.
The Chinese New Year is marked on January 26 2009 with a colourful celebration featuring traditional flower markets, glittering night parades, marching bands and elaborate floats.
Asia’s top performing arts event Hong Kong Arts Festival runs from February 6 until March 8 2009 and will include UK productions such as the English National Ballet’s Alice in Wonderland.
Free stuff to do
The Hong Kong Tourism Board offers visitors a number of free experiences while they’re in Hong Kong, including tai chi or feng shui classes, or lessons in Chinese tea appreciation.
Find out more about the ‘cultural kaleidescope’ experiences on discoverhongkong.com.
Sample product
Premier Holidays offers four nights’ room-only at the Cityview Hotel for £659, including flights and transfers (0870 889 0855).
Hayes and Jarvis offers an eight-night twin-centre package to Hong Kong and Koh Samui for £999 per person, departing January 21 2009. It includes three nights’ room-only at the three-star Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay, five nights at the three-star Chaba Samui, and flights and connections to Koh Samui (0871 200 2211).
