Rolling out the welcome mat

SARS has gone and Hong Kong is ready to put its tourism back on track. Starting Aug. 17, the Hong Kong Tourism Board is offering a series of "mega events" in a program called Hong Kong Welcomes You! Welcome Day tour packages for 2,000 consumers, with reception, banquet and the launch of StratoFantasia, the 35-feet-tall laser show, to take place on the waterfront against the backdrop of the famous skyscrapers (Aug. 17-Sept. 15) Mid-Autumn Lantern or Moon Cake Festival, where visitors are given lanterns and moon cakes (September-mid October) Hong Kong International Musical Fireworks Competition (October) Hong Kong Winterfest, including shopping and dining discount (mid November - December) International Chinese New Year Night Parade (January) Pre-launch of Avenue of Stars, or local Walk of Fame (March)

There is also a new thematic advertising campaign endorsed by Jackie Chan, citywide Hong Kong Lucky Draw and much more on offer. For more information, click www.DiscoverHongKong.com.

-- Hera Diani