TORONTO — The Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, along with their many tourism and business partners, celebrated Lunar New Year with a lavish event at one of Toronto’s top event venues, The Carlu.

Michael Lim, Director, Americas for the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), was front and centre at last night’s festivities, along with members of the HKTB team here in Toronto including Yuen Kan Wong, Senior Manager, Trade Marketing; Carol Lam, Manager, Marketing and Public Relations; Terry Lee, Senior Manager, Finance and Administration; and Jorge Lee, Senior Manager, Marketing and Public Relations.

Strong beats for the dragon thanks to the Wushu Project drummers

Guests were treated to a top-level dragon dance by the Wushu Project, as well as a performance by The Hong Kong Freestyle Kendama Association.

The year of the dragon is characterized by growth and success, strength, courage and resilience, making it a perfect fit for Hong Kong. “Hong Kong is confident, charismatic and resilient too,” said Lim.

The city’s ‘Hello Hong Kong’ campaign, launched in February 2023, brought a year of big successes on the tourism front. The campaign was timed just ahead of Hong Kong’s final pandemic travel restrictions falling to the wayside, and included special offers from thousands of local establishments. Hong Kong welcomed 34 million visitors this past year, including thousands who visited the city with free airfare thanks to the campaign’s big air ticket giveaway.

Hong Kong is buzzing again, thanks in part to some new initiatives. A six-month activation on Temple Street kicked off Dec. 15, 2023 and includes authentic decorations that serve as perfect photo backdrops. Night Vibes Hong Kong recently wrapped up after a successful run. And of course this weekend marks the return of the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade & Float Display along Tsim Sha Tsui. The parade takes place Feb. 10.

In November 2023 Travelweek took part in the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Connect Hong Kong Fam; click here for coverage.

At last night’s big event Lim thanked partners for being part of the HKTB’s journey. “Let us embody the dragon spirit, its vigour and power,” he said to applause.

Canada is an important market for Hong Kong, he added. With that in mind, the HKTB team here in Toronto is growing, with a new team member joining in the next few weeks.

More information about Hong Kong can be found at discoverhongkong.com.

A dragon dance performance by the Wushu Project