HKTB officially launches Nature Kaleidoscope Programme

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) officially launched the Hong Kong Nature Kaleidoscope programme in April, following positive feedback from visitors during the programme''s trial period. In collaboration with the travel trade and partners, the HKTB has re-packaged and introduced a range of eco-oriented tours, which enable visitors to appreciate Hong Kong''s natural wonders.

The Hong Kong Nature Kaleidoscope programme offers visitors a diverse array of nature-tourism products and experiences every day of the week. The programme also features different guided tours throughout the year to tie in with the changing seasons, so that visitors can choose and take part in tours best suited to their interests.

To extend an even greater variety of nature experiences to visitors, the HKTB has enriched the itineraries of selected tours. For instance, the Hong Kong Wetlands Delight Tour not only features Hong Kong Wetland Park, but also oyster farms in Lau Fau Shan and the beautiful scenery of the Pan-Pearl River Delta. The HKTB has also included a number of popular tours currently available in the market, such as the dolphin-watching tour and various hiking itineraries (Please refer to the attached Annex).

Mr Lambert Chan, General Manager, Destination Marketing of the HKTB, said that the pilot Nature Kaleidoscope programme received enthusiastic response from visitors. "Our surveys showed that more than 85 percent of participants were satisfied with the programme, and close to 100% would recommend the tours to family and friends. These encouraging results demonstrate visitors'' strong endorsement to the programme," he remarked. "We''re especially encouraged by the tremendous support from our travel-trade partners. Leveraging the platform created by the programme, we''ll re-package related tourism products to promote Hong Kong''s diverse nature attractions."

The HKTB will continue to work closely with the travel trade and related organizations to enrich the Nature Kaleidoscope programme by identifying more tours that cater to visitors'' interests. Plans are already in hand to introduce tours of the wetlands in Long Valley and Mai Po in the autumn.

Launched initially by the HKTB in September 2006 for a six-month trial period, the Nature Kaleidoscope programme comprises an array of eco-oriented tours. By thematically packaging the itineraries and promoting them to visitors strategically, the HKTB aims to strengthen Hong Kong''s appeal, especially to nature-loving travellers.