OTHER ports and hubs may be battling to claim bragging rights as the destination du jour in this side of the Pacific—how fast can you say “Singapore”? or “Vietnam”? or “Macau”?—but Hong Kong, the former British colony, which became the go-to place for anyone and everyone in and outside the region looking for cheap finds and vertifiable luxury back in the day, remains as the top destination in Asia.
Not only has Hong Kong been voted as the best travel destination in Asia by the millions of users of TripAdvisor but also emerged as the only Asian city to be included in the list of the 10 best destinations worldwide in the the popular travel web site’s 2011 Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards.
Needless to say, Hong Kong has retained that distinction not by resting on its many laurels. The officials managing this special administrative region of China’s—there are two, the other being Macau—have been tireless in pushing out a steady stream of festivals and events, some deeply rooted in traditional history, while others are obviously the creation of savvy marketers, that have not only kept Hong Kong in the news but also attracted a steady stream of visitors near and far.
Take the annual Hong Kong Summer Spectacular, which creates the perfect haven for fabulous deals on some of the world’s most-loved brands. Held throughout the whole of July and August, the two-month festival showcases one of the things the city is known for—great shopping. The ideal destination for every avid shopper, it features irresistible sales and attractive dining promotions in various malls and department stores in Hong Kong.
Those who attend the festival can expect a deluge of incredible shopping pleasures—from big designer labels that offer up to 80 percent discounts, to the unique bargains that can be found in Hong Kong’s side streets and markets. The experience of combing through the city during this shopping extravaganza takes one from the luxurious spaces of designer boutiques, to the distinct shops around the corner; for instance, Central’s ‘The Lanes’ , located between Li Yuen Street East and Li Yuen Street West, and the charming Stanley Market.
One of the world’s top airlines, Cathay Pacific (www.cathaypacific.com) offers the inveterate Pinoy shoppingera a special fare package to Hong Kong just in time for the sale season, as well as a Visit Hong Kong Now package—an ideal and convenient tour for those planning a shopping spree at the upcoming festival.
The package, available until August 27 (for departure until August 30) for only $275 for a three-day, two-night stay, already includes a roundtrip Manila-Hong Kong air ticket on Cathay Pacific, hotel accommodations (there are 30 to choose from), plus one of the following free offers: roundtrip airport-hotel transfers by seat-in-coach, Ocean Park admission ticket, a copy of the Michelin guide Hong Kong & Macau 2011 Restaurant & Hotels, Peak tram ride to the Madame Tussauds’ Wax Museum, or a HK$150 duty free shop coupon.
Whether one is after new wardrobe finds, Chinese artwork, silk products or simple curious and mementos, the Hong Kong Shopping Festival is the place to find all these, all the more reinforcing the famous moniker given to this vibrant and exciting city: The Shopper’s Paradise.
Besides this special Hong Kong travel package, Cathay Pacific also has exquisite new offerings to its passengers, especially for its long-haul guests: The Cabin, the latest addition to the collection of Cathay Pacific Group lounges at the Hong Kong International Airport; and its New Business Class, which makes long-haul flights on Cathay Pacific even more comfortable and luxurious.
Resulting from an intensive and iterative design process that involved inputs from the premium carrier’s Marco Polo Club members, the product attends to passengers’ every need—providing a space in which to sleep, dine, work, read, watch TV or simply relax.
Featuring contemporary wing-back chairs that ensure privacy and maximize living space; seats strategically angled for perfect views and which quickly convert into one of the longest and widest beds provided on any commercial airline, Cathay Pacific’s new business class product ensures passengers comfort, versatility and function with every flight.
According to Ed Higgs, Cathay Pacific Philippines country manager, “The new business class product is in line with the airline’s staunch commitment to address and even exceed consumers’ expectations via excellent services and top-of-the-line offerings.”
He continues, “The design and actualization of this product involved feedback from our Marco Polo Club members. Going the extra mile and paying attention to our customers’ opinions are some of the principles Cathay Pacific adheres to, and explain why we have done well and lasted this long in the industry.”
Scheduled for installation on all of Cathay Pacific’s new long haul A330-300 and Boeing 777-300ER deliveries, the New Business Class entered service beginning March for the A330-300 and April for the Boeing 777-300ER. It will also be progressively installed on all existing long-haul A330-300 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft by February 2013.
Meanwhile, joining The Wing, The Pier, G16 and The Arrival, The Cabin at the Hong Kong International Airport is a contemporary, refreshing and dynamic 1,339-square-meter space designed by London-based architectural firm Foster + Partners. The ultra-modern lounge, conveniently located by Gate 23 on the central concourse, introduces brand-new seating and dining concepts, foremost of which is the innovative and unique Cathay Solus Chair.
Aimed at creating an uplifting place intended to give passengers a preflight boost, The Cabin features five different zones, including The Reception; The IT Zone, which boasts high speed Wi-Fi Internet, 11 PCs, six iMacs, 20 Wi-Fi-enabled iPads preloaded with the latest apps, and a video conference suite; The Deli, where passengers can enjoy made-to-order hot sandwiches, fresh antipasti and salads; The Health Bar; and The Relaxing Zone, with a variety of first-rate lounge seating.
(With additional reporting by Gerard Ramos)
