The 2005 Hong Kong Shopping Festival, from June 25 to Aug. 31, is expected to attract 4.63 million visitors and generate at least 14.2 billion Hong Kong dollars in spending, the Hong Kong Tourism Board said Thursday.

The board's Executive Director Clara Chong said this was the fourth consecutive year they have run the event, and she was confident it would build on previous years' success. Last year's spree attracted 4.4 million visitors.

The festival theme "Showcase of the World" epitomizes the assembly of the world's diverse and trendy merchandise in Hong Kong.

The board said clothing and cosmetics, jewelry and watch, electronics and Chinese traditional products are the showcases during this year's festival.

It will also provide an excellent opportunity to highlight the quality service of Hong Kong as an international destination.

To create even more spending incentives, the festival will feature a computerized lucky draw featuring 70 prizes worth more than 2.2 million Hong Kong dollars in total.

Source: Xinhua