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| Last New Year's Eve fireworks display was a big spectacle |
The Hong Kong government has called off the
traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks display over Victoria Harbour, in the wake
of the deadly Tai Po Fire that killed at least 160 people.
Instead, there will be an alternative countdown event on the Chater Road pedestrian precinct in Central, which the Hong Kong Tourism
Board said is aimed at conveying “positive energy.”
“Through this
event, the HKTB hopes to convey positive energy, care, and blessings of peace
to both locals and visitors, and to welcome a hopeful new year together,” HKTB
said in a statement.
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| DETAILS HERE |
Details of the countdown will be announced at a
later date.
The low-key countdown to mark the New Year is in
stark contrast to last year’s celebration which had “Symphony of Happiness as
theme and included 12 minutes of a dazzling pyrotechnic display over Victoria
Harbour, as well as live performances by local and international artists.
The annual celebration was first cancelled in 2019 because of anti-government demonstrations, and for three more years afterwards due to the pandemic.
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| There will be none of this dazzling display to usher in the New Year |
Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Wednesday night, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan said that the government is anticipating a surge in mainland arrivals over the New Year holidays.
Chan said New Year’s Day marks the start of a
three-day-long holiday on mainland China.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
He made his statement after convening an interdepartmental meeting to oversee preparations for
the expected surge in visitors from the mainland.
The measures include enhanced coordination of ports and transport, close liaison with tourism stakeholders, crowd management, real-time information, and smooth public services.
