Hong Kong has always been admired by travellers as a dynamic, romantic and multicultural destination. With annual tourist arrivals steadily growing towards the 50 million mark, the number of travellers of marrying age visiting Hong Kong is expected to rise accordingly (in 2012, 42% of visitors were of marrying age, with the majority from Taiwan, South East Asia and mainland China). Having hosted Hong Kong’s largest outdoor speed dating party last year, Ocean Park is collaborating with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) for the first time to present Hong Kong’s first-ever large-scale multicultural speed dating event. To showcase the romantic spirit of Hong Kong to the entire world, HK Love Hub Speed Dating Event will take place around the Chinese Valentine’s Day, which happens to fall on 14 February. A one-month recruitment period for singles in Hong Kong and around the world starts today.
Besides offering a total theme park experience combining conservation, education and entertainment values, Ocean Park also boasts a number of romantic spots that appeal to couples looking to create beautiful memories. Love birds have been fond of admiring the beautiful South China sea while aboard the cable car, exchanging tender words when riding the Ferris Wheel, and taking photos in the nostalgic ambience of Old Hong Kong. During 2013, close to 50 park guests have successfully proposed to their other half, with a success rate of 100%; whilst over 50 couples tied the knot at the Park, marking one of the most beautiful moments of their lives.
Dr. Allan Zeman, Chairman of Ocean Park, said, “As the People’s Park of an international metropolis, we are inspired to elevate the event to an international level and showcase the city’s legendary East-meets-West culture. Singles from around the world can visit Ocean Park – the perfect place for sweet memories in Hong Kong – for a chance to meet their perfect mate at this perfect time, when western and Chinese Valentine’s coincide. Thanks to the support of HKTB and AAHK, we look forward to making theme park history again by connecting people from across the miles who share a love for nature.”
Mr. Anthony Lau, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said, “While Hong Kong is well-known as a metropolis and a financial hub, it is also a romantic destination. From time to time, the HKTB highlights this aspect in our promotions in short-haul markets. For example, we once rolled out romance-themed winter promotion in Southeast Asia. In South Korea, we partnered with the media and a matchmaking company to organize speed-dating activities in Hong Kong, successfully matching some of the participants. We believe the initiative by Ocean Park this Valentine’s Day will help showcase the romantic ambience in Hong Kong, and even help some of our visitors find their better halves in our amazing city.”
Mr. CK Ng, Executive Director, Airport Operations, Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, “Being one of the world’s busiest passenger airports, Hong Kong International Airport connects tens of millions of people to their destinations every year. We served nearly 60 million passenger trips during the past year and expects rising demand for our service. Our mission is to create pleasant and comfortable experience for travellers with exceptional facilities and quality customer service. As a key platform for receiving visitors arriving in Hong Kong, we are delighted to collaborate with Ocean Park and the Hong Kong Tourist Board in welcoming tourists from around the world and be a part of this unique large-scale event, which also serves to promote Hong Kong tourism.”
Speed Dating FEVER will repeat its role as the dating company partnering with Ocean Park on this year’s event. Mr. Frankie Wong, Managing Director of Speed Dating FEVER, said, “Speed dating events are not only increasingly popular among men and women alike, but have attracted more and more younger participants. Hong Kong is a metropolitan city where younger people enjoy making friends with foreigners. Despite cultural differences, there are good opportunities for a relationship to develop as long as there is good communication and a mutually suitable lifestyle can be found.”
Mr. Wong added, “Many local singles have extremely high standards. I encourage them to join this unprecedented international speed dating event to make friends with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, thereby expanding their options. We have arranged for the event a series of creative games designed to break the ice and help participants find their other half.”
Joining today’s kick-off event was a couple from diverse cultures. Mini Pink, a make-up artist from Hong Kong, and Vita, a chef from the Czech Republic, met each other last year at a speed dating and are now planning to tie the knot this year. “Vita and I really hit it off as we chatted for three hours the first time we met. Despite differences in language, culture, values and lifestyle, we stay happy together by focusing on being open, communicative and respectful. When there is a difference of opinion, we listen to each other patiently and the problem goes away,” said Mini Pink. “I can honestly say that finding my other half through a speed dating event is simply amazing. I initially had difficulty adjusting to Hong Kong’s fast pace of life. Being with Mini Pink helped me find a balance in life and gave me the impetus to open a private kitchen business,” said Vita.
Starting from today until 7 February, interested singles who are fans of Ocean Park and supporters of animal conservation can register on-line at www.hklovehub.com or contact Speed Dating FEVER at (852) 2961 4632. They can also sign up during 8-10 February at a themed registration counter specially set up at Hong Kong International Airport and Ocean Park’s panda mascots, Ying Ying and Le Le, will visit the airport to take photos with tourists. Speed Dating FEVER will conduct pre-screening up to 10 February. The 288 successful applicants will be notified before 11 February.
HK Love Hub Speed Dating Speed Event will be held at Ocean Park from 14 to 16 February. Participants will be divided into groups ahead of time and scheduled for one of the three days of the event. Each group will have locals and overseas visitors to maximize multicultural interaction. On each event day, 48 pairs of love struck participants will engage each other at three of the most iconic and romantic spots in Ocean Park. They also have a chance to receive secret prizes, bringing their date to a sweet conclusion.
