Disney and NWD link up for Lantau fun plan

Hong Kong Disneyland and New World Development are joining hands to make Lantau a "traveltainment" hub.

The theme park and the property developer have signed an agreement in which Disneyland will build and open a retail store at 11 SKIES - the city's latest retail, dining and entertainment landmark near the airport.

Both parties will also study how to improve transportation between the park and 11 SKIES, as well as develop new tourism and cultural products to enhance "traveltainment" offerings on Lantau Island.

They also said they can leverage their locations as the theme park and 11 SKIES are near the Hong Kong International Airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

The collaboration will cover retail, products and promotions, including marketing partnerships at different K11 locations across the city and the Greater Bay Area, with New World's loyalty program having 26 million members.

"We are honored to join forces with Hong Kong Disneyland Resort to build on our respective strengths, and lead the transformation of Lantau Island through this synergy," said the executive director of New World Development, Sitt Nam-hoi.

"We will continue to explore collaborations with like-minded partners in order to transform Lantau Island into the new 'traveltainment' hub, and turn Hong Kong into the top travel destination among locals, mainland Chinese and global travelers."

The Hong Kong Disneyland managing director, Michael Moriarty, said: "As a tourism landmark bolstering the economy and working to foster the city as a top destination, Hong Kong Disneyland is committed to bringing new experiences to guests in creative new ways.

"We are delighted to work with New World as part of this effort. Together with all our good neighbors on Lantau, we look forward to catering to the evolving needs of tourists returning to the city and seeking more experiential travel options."

11 SKIES, a HK$20 billion investment in the SKYCITY project by New World Development, has a floor area of more than 3.8 million square feet. The complex, which combines three Grade A office towers, an indoor entertainment hub and more than 800 retail and dining facilities, has opened in phases since last year.

The first phase, three Grade A office towers "K11 ATELIER 11 SKIES'' with 570,000 sq ft of space, was opened in July last year, drawing tenants from finance and wealth management, healthcare and wellness services, as well as cross-border businesses.

A "retailtainment" section will be opened in the next phase, which will have more than 800 shops, 120 diners and eight entertainment attractions.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong Disneyland will have more new attractions in the coming months, including the Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse Statue "Dream Makers" to be unveiled next month. The World of Frozen will open in November.

sophie.hui@singtaonewscorp.com