Mainland-gifted giant panda pair to meet HKers next month

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said on Saturday that the pair of giant pandas gifted by Beijing to Hong Kong has been adapting well and is set to meet the public next month.

He also revealed that Ocean Park has been arranging small-scale visits to help prepare the pandas for the big day.

Yeung said the government, in collaboration with Ocean Park and the Tourism Board, will launch promotional activities to create a welcoming atmosphere for the giant pandas in Hong Kong. The giant pandas will also serve as tourism ambassadors, introducing Hong Kong's attractions in different locations to attract more tourists.

When asked whether the development of the panda economy in Hong Kong would overlap with mainland China's giant panda culture, the official mentioned that Hong Kong currently has six giant pandas, each with its own unique characteristics.

In the future, promotional methods or products with distinctive Hong Kong features will be used to attract tourists from around the world, he said, adding that the giant pandas can boost Hong Kong's tourism industry.

Authorities will continue to leverage Hong Kong's uniqueness by developing products and services with a Hong Kong flair, said Yeung.