The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced on Tuesday the launch of its first-ever Meet-the-Locals Volunteer Program, under which local residents will be recruited to promote local living culture to visitors from across the globe.

According to the HKTB, the recruited will become "Hong Kong Pals" and offer services to visitors at the HKTB Visitor Centers between October 2009 and September 2010.

As required by the program, they will provide travel information and introduce Hong Kong's way of life and culture, as well as make travel recommendations based on their own favorite sites and activities.

As the competition among regional travel destinations has become more intense than ever, Hong Kong should use its unique living culture as a "principal soft asset", "if we are to get our piece of the pie", said HKTB Chairman Mr. James Tien.

"Tourism is everyone's business", he added, stating that Hong Kong residents will take up positions on the front-line of servicing visitors and promote Hong Kong tourism with the HKTB through this volunteer program. Such interaction will enable visitors to realize their aspirations for having in-depth experiences of Hong Kong.

The HKTB will form a Selection Committee charged with interviewing applicants and choosing 30 Hong Kong Pals within June 2009. Between July and September 2009, the HKTB will arrange approximately 60 hours of training for these Hong Kong Pals, with local specialists providing additional knowledge to the volunteers, such as history, natural scenery, artefacts and historical arts and culture.

(Xinhua News Agency May 6, 2009)