The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) launched the 2005 Hong Kong Winter Festival on Friday with the aim to draw more visitors from Chinese mainland and overseas markets.

Running until Jan. 2, 2006, the WinterFest will make Hong Kong the focus of Christmas and New Year celebrations in Asia for the fourth consecutive year. The HKTB hoped the event this year will attract more visitors than 2.55 million of visitors last year, promoting this year's total arrivals to the target of 23 million.

HKTB Chairman Selina Chow said this year's WinterFest features an larger Santa's Town than last year, which has incorporated more family-friendly and seasonal elements, aiming at drawing more family visitors for a winter holiday.

According to the HKTB, travel trade partners worldwide responded enthusiastically to Hong Kong's WinterFest this year with many travel agencies creating packages for family vacations.

(Xinhua News Agency November 26, 2005)