Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (standing, front row center) officiates at the "Happy Hong Kong" Campaign Launch Ceremony with other government officials to unveil a series of exciting activities, April 28, 2023. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Friday he hopes the city’s residents can tell good stories of Hong Kong with smiles on their faces, which is a combined goal of the city’s two major campaigns — Happy Hong Kong and Hello Hong Kong.
Speaking at the launch ceremony of the citywide Happy Hong Kong campaign, Lee said the campaign aims at spreading joy throughout the city, while Hello Hong Kong aims to showcase the city’s charm.
IN PICTURES: Happy Hong Kong!
Hong Kong will hold an array of activities starting Saturday, featuring a fixed HK$30 price per film ticket and for the gourmet marketplaces to be held across the city
Together, residents can tell good stories of Hong Kong with happy faces, Lee said.
The city will hold an array of activities starting Saturday, including Cinema Day, featuring a fixed HK$30 ($3.82) price per film ticket and for the gourmet marketplaces to be held across the city.
Other events in the campaign include the Harbour Chill Carnival, organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. The carnival, featuring music and performances, will take place at the Wan Chai harborfront area for five weekends from July 8 through Aug 6.
The three-year pandemic has brought difficulties and challenges, which weighed heavily on residents, Lee said. These activities are taking place to boost spirits so that residents can eat happier, play happier and buy happier, and revive the city’s economy through boosting local spending on retail, catering, he added.
He added that the government has recently distributed consumption vouchers with the aim of encouraging people to have a good time while also boosting the retail and catering industries, promoting local consumption, and strengthening the economy.
The campaign has been well-received among residents. On Thursday, the city’s cinemas saw long lines of people waiting to buy discounted tickets for the Cinema Day on Saturday. Also on Saturday, a two-day Gourmet Marketplace will begin at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.
The event will feature a wide range of international delicacies, Chinese cuisines, and local flavors, providing visitors with a unique culinary experience.
ALSO READ: 'Happy HK' campaign launched to stimulate consumption
The city earlier launched the Hello Hong Kong global campaign in February in a bid to draw back visitors and major events, as well as tell the world that “Hong Kong is back”. The initiative included a range of incentives such as 700,000 free airline tickets, spending vouchers, and mega events like the Museum Summit and Hong Kong Arts Festival, which took place in the past month.