HK to host shopping contest in 15 major markets

Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) began Wednesday to stage the "2004 Shopper of the Year" contest in 15 major markets including Australia, Canada, Italy, Britain, the United States, Malaysia, Singapore and some others as well as the Chinese mainland.

This is one of the programs of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival to be launched on June 26. The arrangement of the contest is aimed at creating a wave of shopping expeditions to the Hong Kong. On July 20 and 21, shorlisted contestants from these markets will come to Hong Kong to vie for the title of the "Shopper of the Year."

HKTB Executive Director Clara Chong said the fun-filled contest would help create expensive publicity for the Shopping Festival internationally. "Besides showcasing the shopping strengths of Hong Kong including value for money, variety of choices, quality assurance and service excellence, the contest will enable visitors to enjoy many activities during the festival period and the total experience offered by Hong Kong," she said.

In 2002, the "Shopper of the Year" contest received strong support from different markets. With the number of participating markets increased from 10 to 15 this year, the contest is set to create event stronger impact, she added.

Through its worldwide offices, the HKTB is conducting the first rounds of the contest in association with shopping malls, department stores, web sites, newspapers and magazines, as well as radio and television stations in the 15 markets.

To select the contestants for the final round, different contest formats such as on-line games, quizzes, essay and shopping competitions are being adopted.

HKTB is to bring in more than 50 media representatives from the respective markets to Hong Kong. Their coverage will enable visitors worldwide to share the shopping fun of Hong Kong and generate sustained publicity for the shopping festival.

The Hong Kong Shopping Festival will last from June 26 to August 31 this year.

Source: Xinhua