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The Festival Walk is much more than your average, run-of-the-mill mall; it is a veritable personification of the phrase ’retail therapy’. With more than 200 shops in over 1 million square feet area, Festival Walk , located in Kowloon Tong, boasts an unparalleled architectural design – a sky lit shopping paradise with wide open spaces to make this shopping experience a memorable one.
They say that shopping in Hong Kong is not just a day-to-day chore, it’s a way of life, and Festival Walk is its bible. Flagship designer stores, and boutique shops displaying everything from exclusive fashion, cosmetics, and health products to books, interior furnishings and computers, sit next to each other in perfect synthesis.
The popularity enjoyed by Festival Walk isn’t wholly due to the fabulous array of shopping, for the mall is also packed with fun-filled entertainment for the entire family. Visit the largest ice-skating rink in Hong Kong or catch a movie at the AMC Cineplex which screens a variety of Hollywood blockbusters and Asian favorites.
An abundant selection of restaurants on the top most floor of Festival Walk satiates every palette. Whether it’s fast food, a romantic dinner with just the right ambience or a selective spread for a business luncheon, the 27 restaurants offer a global range of cuisine. With a trendy and vibrant setting, the delights of the food court are the perfect reward after a long day of shopping.
The design of Festival Walk is an avant-garde example of architectural innovation. The unique design exudes a sense of vitality and energy, but is in actual fact one of Hong Kong’s most energy efficient structures enabling a saving of more than 5 million kilowatts per hour.
All year round, Festival Walk stays committed to enhancing its retail experience with promotions and exclusive offers that are custom matched to the desires of the throngs of shoppers who flock to the mall every day.
Visitors on the lookout for a hotel in Hong Kong in a central locality that affords easy access to the Festival Walk, will enjoy staying at the Hotel Jen. A boutique hotel Hong Kong that offers world-class facilities, the Hotel Jen is the perfect oasis of luxury in the heart of Hong Kong.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
One of the world’s premier business destinations, Hong Kong is a territory of China. A global metropolis, Hong Kong is where east meets west; it is where towering skyscrapers and ancient Chinese temples form an exclusively eclectic mix of cultures and lifestyles. With many outstanding attractions such as the Ocean Park, Hong Kong Disneyland, Victoria Peak, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Repulse Bay, travellers to Hong Kong will never be bored. The nightlife scene in Hong Kong is also worth mentioning while the Hong Kong shopping experiences range from the busy street markets to the chic shopping malls. With so many shopping venues and options available, the popular question that almost all visitors to Hong Kong come across is ‘What should we buy in Hong Kong’?
Of course, like with most destinations, Hong Kong too has its share of must buy products. The most popular choice is of course handicrafts. Be it textiles, ornaments, ivory, jade or other forms of art, the uniquely Chinese artefacts are a firm choice among visitors to Hong Kong. Chinese clothing is also a popular choice of purchase. Buyers can choose from a wide range of clothing items that vary from Mandarin styled tops and jackets to the hot looking Cheongsam dresses made out of silk and other natural material. Also a firm favourite on the ‘must-buy’ list are the traditional Chinese black and herbal tea range providing therapeutic health benefits for regular drinkers.
Other items worth buying from Hong Kong includes the stunning selections of Gold Jewellery, the ever-popular Chinese assorted cakes and of course the Chinese tableware, renowned the world over for its intricate finishing and designs as well durability.
The Hotel Jen is all about luxury. Offering guests with an exclusive haven in the heart of the dynamic and vibrant city centre, the property is a much sought after boutique hotel in Hong Kong. The 280 guestrooms are elegantly furnished, spacious and feature all the facilities expected of a star-class hotel in Hong Kong.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
Introduction
Today, Hong Kong has been known as one of the successful in East Asian for economy in terms of business and trade. Hong Kong has create the reputation not only recently but far before that. The influence of being one of the British colonies from 1841 to 1997 has been seen as the main factor on what is Hong Kong today. We can see some similarity between Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand which all the colonies are now been well in terms of country development.
It has been a great scenario to see the development and the growth in Hong Kong and how its can survive during the economic crisis in 1997 and once again in 2008. Although it can’t be deny that some slow in the economic growth been monitored during this period, anyway the magnificence is to see how Hong Kong keep its economy surviving until today comparing to other developing countries.
We are going to discuss from the historical background of Hong Kong, the factor that keep Hong Kong to be always competitive as economy power, the influence and impact after the handover to China and future of Hong Kong business.
Historical Background
Hong Kong has been a unique colony as East Asian economy power to the British since been found in 1841. Before that, Hong Kong is a part of China. History began when in 19th century, Chinese tea has boom in Britain (Szczepanski, 2009). The demand is high but British are unable to deal with Qing Dynasty for better transaction rather than pay with gold or silver. As a result, British decided to introduce opium from India to China for an exchanged for tea. China government is not agreed with these and destroyed a lot of opium own by British. The British has declared war due to this and won the First Opium War thru Treaty of Nanking in 1841. Here is when the interference of foreign power started in Hong Kong. At the beginning Hong Kong is just become a military staging point to British around the area.
The strategic geographical location of Hong Kong has been the main reason of it economy growth since then. Since during the colonial area, Hong Kong has been know to its free-market, private-enterprise and capitalistic system which benefits a lot of traders in terms of a free port, low taxes and limited government intervention to the economic and social affairs.
Therefore during the early stage of colonial period, British is very concern about Hong Kong potential of being free port and the possible treat can be to Hong Kong due to its location, surrounding by area that are still in China control. Anyway in 1898 British are able to lease Kowloon from China after won the Second Opium War. And in 1898, British sign the Second Convention of Peking, where all island surround Hong Kong are under British control for 99 years which are known as New Territories.
In year 1984, the Sino-British Joint Declaration has been signed to agree that Hong Kong, Kowloon and New Territories shall be given back to China as well. China has made a promise to implement One Country, Two System regime where allowing Hong Kong people are free to continue and practice capitalism and politic freedoms for 50 years.
Above we can understand that Hong Kong has established the relationship with Europe country especially British for such long time. The experience and understanding of dealing with European countries has made a great success for Hong Kong textiles and garment industries in the economic growth. Although Hong Kong has been officially handover to China on 1st July 1997, the strong fundamental based that Hong Kong have has make its able to sustain in the Asia economic crisis 1997.
Evolution of Hong Kong Economy
In early stage, Hong Kong as other islanders, the economy is based on fishing and agriculture. Anyhow within the colony Hong Kong as adopt a journey in being developing country towards manufacturing and service industrial base. Formerly Hong Kong has been made as a military port to monitor British interest in East Asian, acting as an international financial centre.
Historically Hong Kong has been incorporated into China during Qin Dynasty (221BC to 206BC). During year 1941 to 1945, Hong Kong has been occupied by Japan. This period has been a falling in all of the initial economy and trade activities in Hong Kong.
In early 1950’s, monitoring a lot of immigrants from mainland China especially from Shanghai move to Hong Kong (Yu, 1999). These cheap refugees have brought together with them the skills and capital along with them that helped Hong Kong to revive the economy. Following this pattern, foreign companies also have relocated offices from Shanghai to Hong Kong where this movement has make a changes in Hong Kong from territory entrepot trade to industrial and manufacturing.?
Early industrialization in Hong Kong only involves producing small items from buttons, artificial flowers, umbrellas and textiles. In the beginning of 1960’s, was a turning point for Hong Kong economy when the industrial and manufacturing is performing well and growing strong since. This is the period whereby the textile industry experienced a boom. The positive impact of the industrial development and growth in 1960’s was the development of multi storey building in Hong Kong. The potential of being an economy power from the industry has increase a massive number of immigrants from mainland China to Hong Kong where all of them acquire a place to start their life in Hong Kong. Hong Kong which is an island conceptually only has limited space for housing or building development. Therefore the multi storey building has been the best solution for this problem due to land scarcity. It helps the construction sector in Hong Kong to make it as one of the main economy source.
In 1997, China has decided to open their market for outsider. Anyway the China system is still far behind compare to what has Hong Kong established especially in terms of financial services, real estate, insurance, brokering and banking. Hong Kong has taken this opportunity as a gateway and resource for both China and foreign investor to success in their business. While China is starting to improve its skilled workers, Hong Kong already one step ahead to focus more on preparing themselves towards post industrial level in business and financial service sector.
During Asian Crisis 1997
Asian Financial Crisis (AFC) originally started in Thailand on 2nd July 1997 just after Hong Kong officially been hand over to China on 1st July 1997. Hong Kong as one of the power house economy in Asia also has no exception being affected by the crisis. It has been mentioned that Hong Kong was not well prepared to survive during the crisis. The crisis has spread quickly in Asia, where we can see financials problems in Japan and many corporate companies goes bankrupt in South Korea. During the crisis, phenomena seen are the falling stock markets prices, rising of interest rate, inflation, unemployment and growing social inequities.
The Surviving Factors for Hong Kong
Even though Hong Kong was handed to China, the impact of AFC in 1997 was not totally felt by Hong Kong. Hong Kong, during the recession the concerning factor was very much on the instability of the exchange rate (Floyd, 1998). The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HMKA) took actions forcing the interest rate higher than normal and intervened in the stock and future markets to cut off all the currency speculators.
Among other key factors that save Hong Kong from disastrous affect of AFC was sound corporate governance, good supervision in the banking and financial system, large foreign reserve and strong commitment from China to stabilize the financial health.
Besides of all the surviving factors mentioned earlier, Hong Kong as several natural competitive atmospheres such as Hong Kong has been successfully in manufacturing like electrical goods and services economy which like in finance.
Hong Kong stock market has the potential to play a vital role of rising capital for China and plays an international role in the world economy. Influences of western law and openness to trade have played a great part in Hong Kong success today. Hong Kong in has a labor force of 2.8 million (1998) and low rate of unemployment (2 percent) to add value on this they have a skillful labor who can work for longer hours independently. Low tax rates in Hong Kong attract many international companies to make investment example the tax rate for local companies are same as per foreign companies. Other tax benefits are no value added/ sales tax, no capital gain/ withholding tax, no estate duty and no global taxation.
Hong Kong Economic Link to China and Growth Factors
Hong Kong was described as a “barren island with hardly a house upon it” (Chan, 1991, p.21) when was established 160 years ago by the then-British Empire as a key port for the pursuit of British interests in China (Zhu, 2005). The visiting American journalist coined it “dying city” in 1951 (Ho, 1992). However, by 1971, the per capita income of Hong Kong had reached HK$6,096 and placing it second behind Japan in East Asia (Riedel, 1974). Since then, Hong Kong has been growing in average rate of 6.5 per cent between periods of 1987-1991 (Chau, 1993). In year 1992, Hong Kong GDP has reached HK$ 742, 582 million and has emerged as one of the richest economies in Asia (Chau, 1993). This stellar economic growth and performance has triggered development economist to search for an explanation (Yu, 1999).
Hong Kong is a good case study of the economic growth factors (Sung & Wong, 1998). There are three factors drives Hong Kong economic growth, namely, innovation, imitation and technology transfer. According to Sung & Wong, 1998, innovation is defined as effort to develop a new technology to improve productivity factor, invention a new product or improvement of the quality of some existing products. Imitation is defined as a learning effort and improvement of the technology developed by other firm. Based on Yu’s survey (1995), 88 per cent of the manufacturers imitated and supplied similar garments that already appeared in the market while only 8 per cent of them are attempting to make unique and novel products. On the technology transfer, this can be due to technology spillover through firm-to-firm or person-to-person contacts (the contagion effect) (Findlay, 1978). It is believed that Hong Kong growth can be attributed to accumulation of primary factors such as physical capital and labour force, technological progress, and human capital accumulation (Sung and Wong, 1998). The manufacturing sector in Hong Kong is learning by doing effect by conducted joint ventures with foreign firms to obtain foreign technology “know-how” from multinational corporation that have taken advantage of Asia’s low production costs (Engardio and Cross, 1992)
When China opens up its economy to foreign trade and investment on 1979, Hong Kong is China largest investor. The cumulative direct investment in China from 1979 to 1995 was US$78.6 billion (Sung and Wong, 1998). In 1995, the real investment of Hong Kong to China reached peak in 1994, with US$12.5 billion. Besides, outward investment of Hong Kong to China, Hong Kong is receiving capital from China as Hong Kong remains the prime destination of China investments. However, China’s direct investment is much smaller than Hong Kong’s direct investment in China. For illustration, in 1995, China’s direct investment in Hong Kong is just 17.7 percent or US$1.37 billion of Hong Kong’s direct investment in China. The imbalances of investments are due to the factors of many multinational companies are using their Hong Kong subsidiaries to test China investment environments as Hong Kong has the expertise.
As Hong Kong moving up the economic “value ladder”, the abundance of cheap labour which drives the growth during Hong Kong early industrialization period is slowly diminishing. Labour-intensive manufacturing had relocated from Hong Kong to China due to significant wage and rental differentials. With the relocation of the labour-intensive processing to China, Hong Kong manufacturers can focus on skill-intensive operations and services such as product design, production management, sourcing, order taking, financing and marketing (Sung and Wong, 1998). The relocation of the manufacturing sector in Hong Kong had spurred the entrepot trade between Hong Kong and China. From 1979 to 1996, China’s trade via Hong Kong with third countries had rose from US$1.2 billion to US$120 billion. With the entrepot trade with China, Hong Kong had served as middlemen between China and the rest of the world, where Hong Kong acquires the technology and finance for China firms in return of Hong Kong development and growth (Sung and Wong 1998).
Future of Hong Kong
The future of Hong Kong is depends on how well it can be integrated with China (Floyd 1998). Through out the years of British rules, Hong Kong economy has become internationalized and Hong Kong city has become one of the most international cities in the world (Vogel, 1989). With this, China had recognized Hong Kong’s economy as an important asset for the China’s development (Hook and Neves, 2002). To maintain Hong Kong positions as international hub for trade and finance and the main gateway to China after the reversion of Hong Kong, China had implemented the “one country, two systems” policy. Hong Kong capitalism will be allowed to continue and it will benefit the economic reform process in China (Floyd, 1998). On the economic front, Hong Kong had increasing important to East Asian economies as Hong Kong’ trade with Japan and China is rising. However, it is speculated that a resurgent of Shanghai would compete with Hong Kong directly or even replace Hong Kong’s role in China’s future economic development (Wong, 2004).
Hong Kong survivable in the future depends on how well it alert to opportunities, flexible and adaptable to the fast changing environment (Yu, 1999). Hong Kong producers have conducted joint ventures with multinational corporations, learnt foreign technologies and imitated their products. To continue enjoy healthy economic growth in future, Hong Kong economy needs to diversify and go through structural change from manufacturing to services (Clark, 1945). When the labour intensive relocated to China, Hong Kong manufacturers had become property developers and transforming their former factory sites into commercial complexes and make investment in real estate (Yu, 1999).
China must maintain the government principles of “one country, two systems”, “a high degree of autonomy” and “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” way beyond the 50 years of Sino British Joint Declaration 1984 of no intervention in Hong Kong administration. With this, the business and entrepreneurship are given the freedom to operate and remain as the main driver in economic transformation and adaptive to environment changes. Riedel (1974) has remarks that “Hong Kong entrepreneurs are left free to do what they can do best…”
Conclusion
Hong Kong economy evolution was influenced by historical, geographical, cultural and technology driven factor. Historically, being a colonial of British, has prepared Hong Kong in the early stage for capitalism and free market society. Geographically, it was strategically located in East Asian, easy gateway for China, Taiwan, South Korea & Japan for international financial and trade center. Culturally, Hong Kong people are hardworking, high ethic and independent. Furthermore Hong Kong is gifted with technologically driven factors such as good financial system, communication; good infrastructure and government back up on research and development.
During the Asian Financial Crisis, Hong Kong managed to overcome the crisis due to solid governance and financial system plus a strong foreign reserve. After the handover to China, Hong Kong capitalism still prevails and the people are still enjoy democratic atmosphere. Under the “One Country, Two Systems” concept, China will continue to fully support Hong Kong liberalization economy which ensure the free market as well as the investor confidence on Hong Kong’s future.
In future, Hong Kong needs to be more alert, sensitive and adopt flexibility to the changing economic environment to grabs the investment opportunities. This is will ensure Hong Kong future prosperity and continuous growth.
Hong Kong Insurance Market Report ( http://www.bharatbook.com/Market-Research-Reports/Hong-Kong-Insurance-Market.html ) provides the information of emerging insurance market.
Hong Kong is one of the most dynamic insurance markets in the world. Its geographic location, credible legal system and effective regulatory framework have helped it to become a leading insurance centre in Asia that has attracted many of the world’s top insurers, says a new research report “Hong Kong Insurance Market to 2013” from a world class research provider.
Demand for insurance products has been rising rapidly in recent years, and is expected to continue growing substantially during our forecast period (2009-2013). There will not be any significant impact of the economic turmoil on the market as consumers have not stopped buying insurance products but simply changed their choices for insurance products. They are now opting for less risky products which have least exposure to the open markets. Thus, the decline in demand for investment-linked products is being offset by increase in traditional (non-linked) insurance products up to some extent.
Gross premium income has witnessed double-digit annual growth rates since 1990s, rising by 26.5% in 2007 on YOY basis. The market is strongly biased towards long-term insurance, which accounts for over 86% of the market, while general insurance premium make up 14%, as on 2008 end.
The report provides extensive research and rational analysis of the insurance industry in Hong Kong. The report thoroughly examines the current industry trends which are adding to the growth of the insurance industry. The report also gives future outlook considering the possible impact of recession on various segments of the industry.
The report also features forecast (2009-2013) on premium of following insurance branches/sub-branches:
Long-term Insurance
Life & Annuity
Retirement Scheme
General Insurance
Accident & Health
General Liability
Property
Motor
The forecast given in this report is not based on a complex economic model, but is intended as a rough guide to the direction in which the market is likely to move. This forecast is based on correlations between past market growth and growth of base drivers.
For more information kindly visit : http://www.bharatbook.com/Market-Research/Insurance.html
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Amid the many street markets in Hong Kong, the Jade Market as its name suggests, is full of this beautiful and semi precious stone in all shapes and sizes. The market lies on the junction of Kansu and Battery Streets, just off the vibrant Nathan Road where vendors pack in to sell a wide array of items ranging from jewelry to electrical goods. Jade Market comprises of at least 400 stalls filled with jade items that are just waiting to be explored.
Very much a part of the Chinese culture, the emphasis on the jade stone celebrated at the Jade Market, is a reflection of the popular belief that the stone is associated with health, longevity and purity. As a result many Chinese people wear it as a protection against health hazards. The market is a dazzling place as it contains thousands of these greenish stones that are radiant in their vibrant colours and hues.
The market opens daily from 10 am to 5 pm and is an ideal place for tourists to pick up some gifts and souvenirs to take back home. The stalls are filled with lovely trinkets such as jade pendants, rings, bracelets, carvings and ornaments that are sculpted from large blocks into beautiful and delicate shaped items. Much of the jade on sale originated mainly from Myanmar, ranging from those impregnated with polymers, natural pieces or those dyed to enhance the colour.
Bargaining at the Jade Market is an expected practice. A visit to this interesting and unique market for travellers in Hong Kong is worth it, as you will definitely be able to be able to pick up some lovely jade items.
Visitors looking for a modern and elegant Hong Kong hotel from which to explore this beautiful city should consider the Eaton Hotel Hong Kong. This Kowloon hotel is a popular choice among tourists for its close proximity to many of the city’s attractions, including Jade Market.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
The Hong Kong Science Museum is worth a visit while you are in Kowloon, near Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong. The experience will be doubly worth it if you have children accompanying you. Located adjacent to the Hong Kong Museum of History, the science museum houses several exhibitions, simulation areas and displays, which both adults and kids can enjoy leisurely. The permanent exhibition includes approximately 500 exhibits and provides intriguing insights into the mysteries that make up the world of science.
The most noteworthy exhibition at the Hong Kong Science Museum is the Energy Machine, which stands at 22 meters in height and includes twin towers. There are 18 galleries in the museum, categorized to display scientific areas such as sound, light, electricity and magnetism, motion, life science, mathematics, meteorology, geography, transportation, food science, computer technology, robotics, communication, construction, home technology, energy efficiency and occupational safety & health. Spread across four levels, majority of the exhibits are interactive, allowing visitors to learn about it all through active participation.
The Hong Kong Science Museum has a specially allocated room for children between the ages of 3 and 7. Experimental and intuitive, the exhibits here include simulations of various amusing, but scientific activities. Optical illusions, parabolic disks, flight navigation simulations, eight-cylinder gasoline engine mechanisms, traditional Chinese medicine through herbs are all part of the museum’s exhibits. Some of the exhibits included are fitness testing equipment, such as blood pressure monitors, endurance testers and lung capacity checkers.
The computer section is of high interest to most children and houses 30 stations with various graphics and software programs for children to use and learn. Two of the computers are free internet-enabled. Recycling methods and technologies are also part of the exhibits available at the Hong Kong Science Museum. If you get hungry while you’re browsing the exhibits, you can grab a snack at the cafe inside. It’ll take about 3 hours to complete a visit to this museum and the experience is most enjoyable if you have children traveling with you.
Hong Kong is a kaleidoscope of places to visit and things to do, so enjoy it to the fullest while staying at an acclaimed Hong Kong hotel. The Hong Kong Science Museum is within easy reaching distance from every Kowloon hotel.Hong Kong is yours to explore and staying at a Hong Kong hotel will only heighten the experience you have while you are there.
Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing company that offers integrated Internet marketing services and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry. (http://www.emarketingeye.com/ )
At the same time, it has a constantly flourishing tourism industry which is because of its high popularity among tourists. It also offers a wonderful shopping and night-out experience. To make your journey more blissful, various Hong Kong Hotels are nestled at ideal locations.
Set on the south coast of China, Hong Kong is a territory which borders Guangdong province in the north and South China Sea in the east. It is recognized as one of the two special administrative regions of the country. With a booming economic and tourism industry, Hong Kong is a perfect destination from business as well as leisure perspective. It is one of the leading commercial and financial zones of the world. At the same time, it is swarmed by a large number of tourists every year. With the availability of various hotels in Hong Kong, travelers are able to spend a comfy stay.
Some of the well-known hotel groups have their properties in Hong Kong. Langham Place Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel, JW Marriott Hotel, Grand Hyatt Hotel, and Renaissance Kowloon Hotel are among the lavish hotels in Hong Kong. Not only this, budget hotels are also located there which are suitable for visitos with moderate affordable abilities and requirements. Apart from this, there are business hotels which cater to business guests. It doesnt mean that they are not meant for leisure. Vacationers are also equally welcomed there and offered state of the art amenities and services. All the upscale hotels make available ultimate facilities including onsite restaurants, swimming pools, Spa, and health club.
If seen on a wide spectrum, Hong Kong is characterized by towering skyscrapers, fashionable streets, glowing nightlife, and modern lifestyle. Working at bustling zones, people seem to be full of life and vigour. Nothing can come to a stand still in Hong Kong. Its districts, shopping centres, and other areas are always overcrowded. During night also, it streets are busy in handling the walks of people. Tourists are greatly fascinated by its elegant aura spread in all directions.
Victoria Park, Western Market, Police Museum, Wong Tai Sin Temple, Ocean Park and Middle Kingdom, and Hong Kong Disneyland are some of the most favourable attractions of Hong Kong. Not only this, it is also a home to chic shopping stops like Allied Plaza, Causeway Bay Plaza, Elements, Harbour City, Citylink Plaza, and The Landmark.
Apart from this, clubs, bars, pubs, discos, and karaokes in Hong Kong offer a vibrant nightlife. You can spend relaxed moments with your friends or family amid a glittering ambience. Not only this, you can enjoy luscious dining feasts at the cutting edge style restaurants while dancing to the tunes of music. On the whole, journey at Hong Kong is marked with elation.
Get ready to spend a nice stay in one of the best Hong Kong hotels offered by www.asiarooms.com/hong_kong/index.html at fair price deals.
Hong Kong International Airport, otherwise known as Chek Lap Kok Airport, is the Hong Kong’s main airport. Situated off the Lantau Island, in Chek Pak, Hong Kong International Airport is regarded as the gateway to mainland China and other destinations in South-East Asia.
The airport is only 35 kilometers from the Hong Kong Island and 22 kilometers from Kowloon. Sprawling over an area of about 12.50 square kilometers, it is the world’s fifth busiest airport in connection with cargo movement and international passenger. Opened its door in July 6, 1998, the airport is under the control of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, which in turn is a statutory body administered by the government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR.) It took about six years for the completion of construction procedures and about US $20 billion to erect it. The airport is now regarded as the prime hub for such major airlines as Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, Hong Kong Express Airways, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, Air Hong Kong, and Dragonair.
One of the specialties of the airport is that its Passenger Terminal building is situated on a man-made island reclaimed from Chek Lap Kok and Lam Chau. Since the airport is situated on an island, it usually takes an hour or more in order to travel to and fro the airport. However, the airport is easily accessible via such modes as airbus, taxis, and the Mass Transit Railway high-speed airport express, which in turn are special trains that connect the airport with urban areas as well as the subway.
In short, the airport is served by an excellent as well as comprehensive transport network system. For instance, the Ground Transportation Centre features a station exclusively to handle the Airport Express trains. There is also a public transport interchange with transportation facilities including franchised bus, private cars, and taxis. The coach station in the airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) caters to the passengers for tour coach such as hotel shuttle bus services and mainland coach services. Likewise, the Hotel and Travel Agent Limousine Lounge in the Terminal 1 (T1) of the airport deals with limousine services. Additionally, all of the sections as well as the departure and arrival areas in the terminal building are clearly defined in order to make all procedures hassle free and pleasurable.
Facilities available in the Hong Kong International Airport also include superb shopping and dining options. With an array of shops, you can purchase a variety of items from here including books and magazines, art and craft items, casual and sports wear, toys and games, leather as well as designer accessories, duty free liquor and tobacco, flower items, health and beauty related items, luggage and travel accessories, packaged food items, and telecommunication services. Dining facilities in the airport ranges from Asian, Chinese, and Western restaurants to coffee shop, cafe, and bakery and dessert shops.
Further, in order to make available best possible services to the customers, the airport has imposes certain safety measures, such as, striving for the maintenance of a safe as well as efficient airport for Hong Kong; providing a comfortable environment for the traveling public; ensuring high standard of cleanliness in the airport’s public areas and other such facilities; ensuring high standards of services from the contractors, concessionaries, and franchisees of the airport authority; quick responses to queries and enquiries; and management of environmental issues throughout the airport.
Apart from these, the Civil Aviation Department within the airport has implemented certain security measures in connection with cabin baggage, which in turn comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s new guidelines.
Included in the cabin baggage security measures are:
- All aerosols, liquids, and gels within the cabin baggage must be packed in containers with a capacity not exceeding 100 ml. In case, the aforesaid items are packed in containers larger than 100 ml, it will not be accepted, although the containers are partially filled
- All containers must be kept in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag. This plastic bag must be kept separately from other cabin baggage for the convenience of visual examination at the screening point
- There are exemptions in the case of such items as baby food items and certain types of medications
Above all, in order to ensure utmost safety and security, the airport is also attached with services such as the Air Traffic Control Complex, which controls the entire air traffic system in the airport; the Hong Kong Flight Information Region (FIR), which is set up to ensure safety and efficiency in connection with flow of aircraft movements; the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, which operates to handle the rescue as well as fire fighting services; and backup air traffic control centre.
What are the must-see places in Hong Kong? What should you indulge in while you are there? Should you be aware of somethings to avoid? These are general questions running through every tourist’s mind when they set off to Hong Kong with hopes of having a great time. Hong Kong has a lot to offer, both historic and present. The culture is multifaceted, the people are varied, there’s so much to do and so many places to visit. Even if it’s overwhelming at first, you’ll soon begin to relax, enjoy and have loads of fun in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Island is the hub of everything in the nation. Be it economics, politics, entertainment or shopping, everything is here. The main shopping, business and entertainment area spans from the Central District to Causeway Bay. From Tin Hau to Chai Wan, it’s the residential area. Recreational areas are all concentrated around Repulse Bay and Ocean Park in the southern side. Two days are generally sufficient to explore the Hong Kong Island from top to bottom, with certain attractions such as Victoria Peak, Peak Tower, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium and Madame Tussaud Wax Museum taking center stage among the hot spots.
Ocean Park – Among the best theme parks and aquariums in the Southeast Asian region, it’s also a marine education center.
Aberdeen – Hong Kong’s fishing region, this area highlight the lit-up trawlers where families of fishermen dwell. Excellent fresh seafood dishes from the Jumbo Floating Restaurant are well-reputed among gourmets.
Stanley Market – A performance stage, al fresco cafes, creative restaurants, stalls and shops are all part of the amazing array available to visitors.
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center – This complex and the surrounding Golden Bauhinia Square in the Wan Chai district are famous for commemorations. From here, the nighttime Victoria Bay offers a spectacular vista.
Happy Valley – It’s all about horse racing and racecourse gambling, so if you are a risk-taker, head on towards the racecourse.
Additional to all the attractions on the main island, other destinations within Hong Kong include the Kowloon Peninsula, New Territories and the Outlying Islands. The Kowloon Peninsula Tour is popular among travelers, and includes visits to sites such as the Hong Kong Coliseum in Tsim Sha Tsui, Won Tai Sin Temple, Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei’s Temple Street Night Market, Kowloon park, Hong Kong Space Museum, Lantau Island, Shatni Racecourse, Po Lin Monastery, Big Buddha and much more.
After all this adventure and sightseeing, you can head right back to Hong Kong Island and take a day off to indulge at the Chuan Spa Hong Kong, one of the most widely acclaimed health and beauty treatment centers in the world.
Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing agency that offers integrated Internet marketing solutions and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry. (http://www.emarketingeye.com/ )
Famed as the city of contrast, Hong Kong enchants almost every human being whether he has nomadic attributes or not⦠It is also among the prominent financial centers in Asia. Hence, seeing an arrival or departure of thousand people every day, Hong Kong International Airport will be included in the list of some of the busiest airports. Therefore, it will be always wise to get an accommodation near by the airport in Hong Kong, as it will be not only reducing the time consumption but also be convenient for longer stay purpose.
Airport is located near many alluring destinations of the city; hence, a stay in hotels near Hong Kong airport is much preferred among tourists. It not only offers a convenience access to The Asia World-Expo and Convention Centre and Hong Kong Disneyland but also offers only a twenty to thirty minute ride downtown. These Hong Kong hotels are categorized as âplush hotelsâ, which offer almost every luxury, you are looking forâ¦
Some of these hotels are linked to the airport terminal by covered air-conditioned bridges while some are located near by. Many of these hotels are ranked as top airport hotels of the world and they have received awards as well. Almost every hotel near Hong Kong airport is famed for elite offerings. Immaculately designed hotels tenders almost every facility, you are looking for. These contemporary hotels flaunt best of modern Chinese art and let you relish a unique ambiance that offers nothing but tranquility. Cleaned room with plenty of natural light, swimming pool, in-house gymnasium, medical spa, salon , landscape garden including niche eateries specially confectioneries are major attraction of these hotels. Restaurant located inside these hotels call to savor delicacies from all around the globe.
Nonetheless, maximum hotels boast a proper Chinese interior but some of them reflect Thai tints as well. Hong Kong hotels located near airport are world-famous for their upscale offerings⦠they allow you to enjoy a gala time while gawking on the beauty of Hong Kong. At these opulent lodgings, you can also find a fabulous gift shop to get something for loved ones, health club for a healthy trip and newspaper stands to get the information of entire world. In addition, they do not negotiate when it comes to protection, all the hotels near Hong Kong airport deal with high level of protection.
If you are looking forward for a trip to Hong Kong or any business meeting is scheduled in this oriental Asian paradise, try to get advanced hotel bookings, as Hong Kong always deals with shortage of accommodation. Internet is crammed with sites, which offer hotel reservation in Hong Kong. Surf the net, browse the site and make your tour a rewarding experience.
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