Hong Kong Disneyland and the government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region announced on Monday that the new theme park will open on September 12, 2005.

"The announcement of the opening day for Hong Kong Disneyland marks a key milestone for the development of Hong Kong tourism and the economy as a whole," said Financial Secretary of Hong Kong Henry Tang.

The opening will be a driving force for growth in tourism, and family tourism development in particular, noted Tang.

"The project has already created 11,400 jobs during construction. Another 18,000 jobs are expected to be created by its opening. In its first 40 years, Hong Kong Disneyland is forecast to bring about a huge economic benefit worth 148 billion HK dollars (US$19 billion)," said Tang.

He also said that the Hong Kong government would continue to render full support for a most successful opening.

The admission price of Hong Kong Disneyland will be 295 HK dollars (US$38) per adult on weekdays and 350 HK dollars (US$45) on weekends and peak days; children's tickets (for those aged between 3 and 11 years) will be priced at 210 HK dollars (US$27) on weekdays and 250 HK dollars (US$32) on weekends and peak holidays.

(Xinhua News Agency November 23, 2004)