HKTB Chairman Mr James Tien said: “This year, we want to make the Wine and Dine Festival even more international with the new programmes, such as the Spanish Night and the Japanese Night, so that we can reinforce Hong Kong’s reputation as Asia’s culinary capital. We are glad to receive hearty support from wine merchants and restaurants, bringing the number of exhibiting booths to nearly 300, 20% more than last year, which underlines the recognition of the event among industry players.
“Dining is an important spending item among visitors in Hong Kong. In the first half of this year, overnight visitors spent more than HK$8.6 billion on dining outside hotels, a year-on-year growth of more than 30%. Our aim is to further stimulate visitors’ spending in this area through the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Month in November. We will create a business platform for our partners by actively promoting the offers and activities by various food districts and restaurants.”
Mr Y C Koh, Chief Executive Officer, Greater China and Southeast Asia of American Express International, Inc, said: “As the presenting sponsor of the ‘Hong Kong Wine and Dine Month’ for the third year in a row, American Express is thrilled to play a part in promoting Hong Kong as the culinary capital of Asia. We look to continue our fruitful relationship with the HKTB to support this delightful event, and more importantly open international and local connoisseurs to a sheer variety of cuisines in which they can indulge all over the city.”
Highlights of the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival 2011 include:
? Two internationally themed parties, namely the Spanish Night (28 October) and the Japanese Night (29 October), during which wines and cuisines, as well as folk performances from the two countries will be showcased.
? The Grand Tasting Pavilion is doubled in size with enhanced decoration to provide Grand Wine Pass holders with a spacious and relaxing environment for sampling wine and fare. Wine seminars and other programmes are also available for comprehensive wine appreciation.
? A non-stop repertoire of performances at the main stage by jazz musicians and pop singers, including record producer and singer Hanjin Tan, Asian jazz sensation Eugene Pao, erhu performer Jessie Hou, pop singers Mimi Lo and Bondy Chiu, and local jazz singer Angelita Li, as well as roving performances in the venue.
? Mega wine bottles dressed by internationally famous fashion designer Ms Vivienne Tam will be displayed in the venue for photo-taking by festival participants.
Except for designated areas, no admission fee is required for the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival. Participants can purchase the Grand Wine Pass, the Classic Wine Pass and wine tokens for wine-tasting.
November: A Month of Culinary Indulgence
During the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Month in November, food and wine-themed programmes will be available in various food districts. These include the Lan Kwan Fong Carnival in Central, the World of Food and Music at Stanley, as well as a one-week Festival of Restaurants supported by around 50 restaurants, some of which are Michelin-starred. Hotels and entertainment hotspots in town are also putting together wine-and-dine promotions for visitors and local residents, while the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair will be staged again by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.