Hong Kong has always been admired by travellers as dynamic, romantic and multicultural destination. Among the over 50 million travellers who visited Hong Kong in 2013, an estimated 40% are of marrying age (the figure for 2012 is 42%), with the majority from Taiwan, South East Asia and mainland China. Having hosted Hong Kong’s largest outdoor speed dating party last year, Ocean Park is collaborating with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) for the first time to present Hong Kong’s first-ever large-scale multicultural speed dating event. To showcase the romantic spirit of Hong Kong to the entire world, HK Love Hub Speed Dating Event will take place around the Chinese Valentine’s Day, which happens to coincide with 14 February. A one-month recruitment period for singles in Hong Kong and around the world starts today.
Besides offering a total theme park experience combining conservation, education and entertainment values, Ocean Park also boasts a number of romantic spots that appeal to couples looking to create beautiful memories. Love birds have been fond of admiring the beautiful South China sea while aboard the cable car, exchanging tender words when riding the Ferris Wheel, and taking photos in the nostalgic ambience of Old Hong Kong. During 2013, close to 50 park guests have successfully proposed to their other half, with a success rate of 100%; whilst 50 couples tied the knot at the Park, marking one of the most beautiful moments of their lives.
Dr. Allan Zeman, Chairman of Ocean Park, said, “As the People’s Park of an international metropolis, we are inspired to elevate the event to an international level and showcase the city’s legendary East-meets-West culture. Singles from around the world can visit Ocean Park – the perfect place for sweet memories in Hong Kong – for a chance to meet their perfect mate at this perfect time, when western and Chinese Valentine’s coincide. Thanks to the support of HKTB and AAHK, we look forward to making theme park history again by connecting people from across the miles who share a love for nature.”
Mr. Anthony Lau, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said, “While Hong Kong is well-known as a metropolis and a financial hub, it is also a romantic destination. From time to time, the HKTB highlights this aspect in our promotions in short-haul markets. For example, we once rolled out romance-themed winter promotion in Southeast Asia. In South Korea, we partnered with the media and a matchmaking company to organize speed-dating activities in Hong Kong, successfully matching some of the participants. We believe the initiative by Ocean Park this Valentine’s Day will help showcase the romantic ambience in Hong Kong, and even help some of our visitors find their better halves in our amazing city.”
Mr. C. K. Ng, Executive Director, Airport Operations, Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, “Being one of the world’s busiest passenger airports, the Hong Kong International Airport connects tens of millions of people to their destinations every year. We served nearly 60 million travellers during this past year and expects rising demand for our service. Our mission is to create pleasant and comfortable experiences for travellers through exceptional facilities and quality customer service. As a key platform for receiving visitors arriving in Hong Kong, we are delighted to collaborate with Ocean Park and the Hong Kong Tourist Board in welcoming tourists from around the world and be a part of this unique large-scale event, which also serves to promote Hong Kong tourism.”
Speed Dating FEVER will repeat its role as the dating company partnering with Ocean Park on this year’s event. Mr. Frankie Wong, Managing Director of Speed Dating FEVER, said, “Speed dating events are not only increasingly popular among men and women alike, but have attracted more and more younger participants. Hong Kong is a metropolitan city where younger people enjoy making friends with foreigners. Despite cultural differences, there are good opportunities for a relationship to develop as long as there is good communication and a mutually suitable lifestyle can be found.”
Mr. Wong added, “Many local singles have extremely high standards. I encourage them to join this unprecedented international speed dating event to make friends with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, thereby expanding their options. We have arranged for the event a series of creative games designed to break the ice and help participants find their other half.”
Joining today’s kick-off event was a couple from diverse cultures. Mini Pink, a make-up artist from Hong Kong, and Vita, a chef from the Czech Republic, met each other last year at a speed dating and are now planning to tie the knot this year. “Vita and I really hit it off as we chatted for three hours the first time we met. Despite differences in language, culture, values and lifestyle, we stay happy together by focusing on being open, communicative and respectful. When there is a difference of opinion, we listen to each other patiently and the problem goes away,” said Mini Pink. “I can honestly say that finding my other half through a speed dating event is simply amazing. I initially had difficulty adjusting to Hong Kong’s fast pace of life. Being with Mini Pink helped me find a balance in life and gave me the impetus to open a private kitchen business,” said Vita.
Starting from today until 7 February, interested singles who are fans of Ocean Park and supporters of animal conservation can register on-line at www.hklovehub.com or contact Speed Dating FEVER (852) 2961 4632. They can also sign up from 8-10 February at a themed registration counter specially set up at the HKIA. Speed Dating FEVER will conduct pre-screening up to 10 February. Ocean Park’s mascots will visit the airport to take photos with tourists. The 288 successful applicants will be notified on or before 11 February.
HK Love Hub Speed Dating Speed Event will be held at Ocean Park from 14 to 16 February. Participants will be divided into groups ahead of time and scheduled for one of the three days of the event. Each group will have locals and overseas visitors to maximize multicultural interaction. On each event day, 48 pairs of love struck participants will engage each other at three of the most iconic and romantic spots in Ocean Park. They also have a chance to receive secret prizes, bringing their date to a sweet conclusion.
About Ocean Park
Ocean Park is Hong Kong’s unique home grown theme park with a heritage of delivering family fun and fond memories. Since its opening in January 1977 as a non-profit organisation, Ocean Park has developed itself to be a world-class attraction connecting people with nature, and recognised for its animal husbandry, research and relationship with the community. Close to 130 million people have visited Hong Kong’s premier park since its inception, and Ocean Park has remained committed to offering adults and children experiences that blend entertainment with education and conservation. Part of the proceeds from Ocean Park admission tickets and some retail items will go to Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong to support its wildlife conservation projects. Ocean Park is the 2012 recipient of the highly coveted and prestigious APPLAUSE AWARD, presented by Liseberg Amusement Park. Recognised by the attractions industry worldwide, the award is presented at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Attractions Expo every other year in honour of a theme park for its excellence in management, operations, and creativity. Ocean Park is the first theme park in Asia to win this international award since its inception in 1980.
Ocean Park – Giving Back to the Community
As Hong Kong People’s Park, Ocean Park has launched different community initiatives to enable Hong Kong people from all walks of life to enjoy the Park’s offerings. These initiatives include: 1) concessionary admission for Hong Kong residents on their birthdays, Hong Kong residents aged 65 years and above, and holders of Registration Card for People with Disabilities; and 2) sponsored admission to individuals and members of families receiving assistance from the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme (CSSA), and Social Welfare Department member organizations. The Park also gives donation-in-kind to charitable organizations, offers special rates for school tours, and spearheads many other community caring projects. During the fiscal year of 2012-2013, Ocean Park maintained a total of 13 social care programmes, with over 550,000 beneficiaries and an aggregate value to the community equivalent to HK$150 million.
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