Meeting News - February 25, 2008 - (Page 10e)

easily and catch wonderful glimpses of this dynamic city along the way. “No matter where guests stay, they’re never too far from meetings, shopping, and major sights,” notes Carmen Chan, event manager for Pacific World Limited, Hong Kong, a locally based DMC. “And with all its skyscrapers and high-tech wizardry, Hong Kong is not immune from the quiet joys of nature, with its central ridge offering some of the best nature walks you’ll ever take. Likewise, on the southern side of the island, the city seems a million miles away at seaside towns like Stanley, where the local market draws visitors from all over the world.” Many agree that the best way to see Hong Kong’s picturesque sprawl is from the top. The Peak is one of the city’s major attractions, and an absolute mustdo for attendees. Getting there is half the fun, ambling up the 1,200-foot mountainside on the antique Peak Tram, more than a century old. Panoramic vistas QUICK FACTS feature soaring skyscrapers, ships Hong Kong’s local currency teeming in the is the Hong Kong dollar, harbor, a crop of pegged to the US dollar at a outlying islands, rate of approximately HK $7.8 and green to US $1. Currency is easily mountains, changed in banks and hotels. which stretch to the horizon. Group events on The Peak are unforgettable, with ultra-cool restaurants giving diners a spectacular view day or night. “Having cocktails on top of the world and looking down on one of the most fabulous cities is truly, truly magical,” says Lynda Orbont, director of North American sales for Tour East Group, a full-service DMC. Hong Kong’s iconic natural harbor and sleek skyline are also savored from sea, whether aboard the famous Star Ferry, on a catered harbor cruise, or sailing in a traditional Chinese Junk Boat. As nighttime looms and a dazzling neon cityscape emerges, attendees clink champagne glasses while viewing the Symphony of Lights, where waterfront skyscrapers erupt in a shimmering 13- to 15-minute display of lights and laser beams set to music and commentary. For more tranquil pursuits, there’s the quiet charms and exquisite greenery of Hong Kong’s outlying islands, many situated just minutes away from the hustle-and-bustle. In fact, nowhere else in the world can visitors be so close to nature and yet still have full access to round-the-clock high-tech services and facilities. Lantau Island, home to the Giant Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, is the largest and most popular of the outlying islands, while Lamma Island and Cheung Chau, are each a short >> Facility Finds Events in Hong Kong—no matter what the size—are world-class affairs, thanks to state-of-the-art venues available to groups. The award-winning, purpose-built Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre showcases five exhibition halls, two ballroom-style convention halls, two world-class theaters, 52 meeting rooms, two large foyers for prefunction gatherings, plus supporting amenities—all situated on Hong Kong’s spectacular harbor. AsiaWorld-Expo is the city’s largest events complex, opened in December 2005. It is the only exhibition center that is fully integrated with one of the world's busiest international airports. It is supported by an in-venue railway (MTR) station that connects Hong Kong with China’s Pearl River Delta and other world business capitals. On site is more than 70,000 square meters of event space, with 10 state-of-the-art ground level, column-free exhibition and events halls, including the 13,500-seat AsiaWorld-Arena, the biggest purpose-built, indoorseated entertainment arena in Hong Kong. WWW.DISCOVERHONGKONG.COM 5 http://WWW.DISCOVERHONGKONG.COM

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