This year's WinterFest is expected to boost visitor arrivals by 13.4% to 2.49 million during its programme from November 26 to January 2.

Staged for its third consecutive year, the Tourism Board says the event will help bring total yearly arrivals to a historic high of 21.3 million.

The board's Executive Director Clara Chong said arrivals for the first nine months of this year have already surpassed those of all of last year.

"With the added appeal of WinterFest, we are confident the growth momentum will continue through the last quarter of the year and we have therefore revised our forecast for 2004 from 20.5 million to 21.3 million," she said.

"The programme has enjoyed phenomenal success in the past two years. Last year it attracted almost 2.2 million visitors, 8% more than in 2002. It has set new monthly records for December, and successfully turned our winter festive season into another peak travel season."

'Love & Care'

To promote Hong Kong's multi-dimensional attractions to more visitor segments, notably couples, families and lovers of shopping and dining, the board will introduce even more enticing elements around the theme of 'Love & Care' this year.

"Leveraging on the Christmas spirit of love and care, we will add more family-friendly elements, which will help us reinforce Hong Kong's reputation as a family destination and pave way for the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland," Ms Chong said.

This year, the board will transform Statue Square into Nordic Santa's Town. There will be Hong Kong's highest outdoor Dazzling Christmas Tree and a romantic Mistletoe Boulevard in the vicinity.

Activities staged by other organisations during WinterFest include the 29th Products Expo in Victoria Park, Horses Across Hong Kong, the International Races on December12, Christmas Sensation at Ocean Park and the New Year Countdown Carnival.

November 26 to 28 will see special pyrotechnics added to the Symphony of Lights shows to launch WinterFest.

Great deals

Over 2,900 merchants and restaurants have agreed to offer visitors discounts and special privileges. Details are included in the WinterFest Activities Guide and the WinterFest Passport to Amazing Offers, which will be distributed at the Visitor Information & Services Centres and various entry points.

Award-winning restaurants of the Best of the Best Culinary Awards and those in renowned food districts will design special visitor menus.

Ms Chong encouraged more merchants to take part in WinterFest and provide visitors with an unforgettable culinary and shopping experience.