Financial Secretary Henry Tang has launched a tourism drive targeting four regional cities, some of Hong Kong's key tourist markets.

More than 250 guests from the Thai tourism sector and the media attended Mr Tang's Discover the Hong Kong Magic luncheon presentation in Bangkok today.

Mr Tang heads a 16-strong Hong Kong delegation that includes Government officials, tourism chiefs and operators of new attractions, on the promotion tour that will also take in Beijing, Guangzhou and Singapore over the next two months.

Enticing destination

Mr Tang told the Bangkok gathering that Hong Kong has spent US$4 billion to develop tourist attractions that will keep the city the region's premier tourist destination. Arrivals in 2004 swelled to a record 21.8 million.

"With the new projects we are building, Hong Kong is set to go beyond our core strengths of fine dining and shopping, offering our visitors a full and diversified experience, especially for families," he said.

Mr Tang's speech was accompanied by a vibrant multi-media presentation showcasing the range of new tourism infrastructure Hong Kong will house in the coming years, which includes Hong Kong Disneyland, which opens in September, Symphony of Lights II which will be held at year's-end, the Ngong Ping 360 Skyrail which starts next year, and Hong Kong Wetland Park.