"After people have experienced our shopping and dining, we want them to get out of the downtown area," explained Amy Chan, managing director of the Hong Kong Tourist Association. "We want to show them the other side of Hong Kong."

Jackie Chan, Hong Kong's dynamic tourism ambassador

Forty percent of Hong Kong's land is designated by the government as parklan, while many of the major international cities have less than 10 percent. Just a 15-minute walk from the city, one can enter a major park. Designated paths and areas make it easy to discover the nature and coastal walks, fishing villages and outdoor temples. Hong Kong is also the events capital of Asia. There are numerous annual events such as the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, The Dragon Boat Races, and the Hong Kong Arts Festival. "We are working with many Japanese travel agents to promote these special events," said Chan.

The Hong Kong movie industry is now the third largest in the world, and has brought the world such famous stars as Bruce Lee and Hong Kong's current tourism ambassador, Jackie Chan. Visitors can participate in movie tours and locate scenes from their favorite Hong Kong films.

Another reason to come to Hong Kong? According to Hong Kong's current tourism ambassador. "Because Jackie's here!"

TOP

Where to stay on Hong Kong Island

Popularized by the stories of the legendary Suzy Wong, the Wan Chai area has become a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Packed with trendy bars and flourishing businesses, Wan Chai is also an excellent location to find a special but inexpensive place to stay.

The Charterhouse Hotel, the only boutique hotel in the area, is ideal for the modest business traveler. It is conveniently located in the central business district of Wan Chai, and is in walking distance to the Hong Kong Convention Center. The rooms are cozy with an antique style of décor. The Charterhouse also has business center and Internet-ready rooms.

Sai Kung: challenging trails lure outdoor enthusiasts.

There are many choices for five-star accommodation on Hong Kong Island, but none so perfect for the business traveler as the Conrad International Hotel. Located in the Central business district, the hotel is directly connected to Pacific Place, one of the premiere shopping and business complexes in Hong Kong. And a Mass Transit Railway stop is located below the complex for easy transport throughout the city.

Shop until you drop in the night market.

This luxury hotel boasts an impressive 61 floors with 513 rooms, each having spectacular views of Victoria Peak, Kowloon skyline and Victoria harbor, or the Hong Kong cityscape. Fully catering to its business clientele, all the rooms have Internet access, in-room fax machine with private phone number, remote-control color television with 27 channels, international direct dialing and personal voice mail. The Conrad also features a 24-hour fully staffed business center, conference rooms, computer and mobile-phone rental, a reference library as well as secretarial and translation services.

Enter the Conrad at anytime of the day and there is a buzz of activity. The fabulous yet classic décor and high ceilings of the upper and lower lobbies provide the preferred backdrop for casual business meetings, intimate social gatherings and afternoon tea. Well-dressed businesspeople move about between meetings and lunches while tourists return from Pacific Place arms filled with bags. The Conrad is also host to three award-winning restaurants, leaving little reason to leave the hotel. Fortunately, there is also a fully equipped health club and gym.

Be sure not to leave The Conrad without a light alfresco meal in the pool-side patio or a drink by the pool while enjoying the superb view of busy Hong Kong. It's the perfect opportunity to absorb the excitement of an amazing city.

TOP

...and in Kowloon

An impressive lobby greets guests at the Kowloon Shangri-La.

For the complete Hong Kong experience, the Kowloon Shangri-La can more than accommodate. This luxury five-star hotel lies along the waterfront of Victoria Harbor and situated in Tsimshatsui, the center of Kowloon's commercial and shopping district. There is a ferry directly outside the hotel to shuttle passengers to Hong Kong Island as well as an MTR station a short walking distance away. "We have a good mix of the leisure traveler and the business traveler," explained Richard Chapman, general manager of the Kowloon Shangri-La. "But the leisure traveler has always favored the Kowloon side as a preferred destination for shopping, restaurants and entertainment."

The Kowloon area has been famous for its night markets, variety of shops, local cuisine. From upscale fashion stores such as Joyce to electronic shops where bold tourists can try out their bargaining skills, Tsimshatsui has something for everyone, and all at walking distance from the hotel. Some of the best local noodle houses and Peking-duck restaurants are also near by.

Even before entering the Kowloon Shangri-La, guests are welcomed by the warm and friendly international staff. The grand lobby features a stunning marble fountain, crystal chandeliers and fine works of art specifically dedicated to the theme of the Shangri-La Hotel. Musical performances in the lobby lounge echo though out the first two stories. Indeed, guests at the Shangri-La are made to feel special.

Traditional Chinese architecture adorns Lantau Island.

The hotel is home to four signature restaurants of exceptional taste and variety; Margaux (French Cuisine), Shang Palace (Chinese restaurant), Nadaman (Japanese restaurant) and Napa (Californian restaurant). In addition, The Blue Note, the newly opened jazz bar, features international musicians performing six nights a week.

Business travelers need not worry. The Shangri-La has also recently upgraded their 24-hour business center. "We also have newly renovated rooms to accommodate the modern business traveler," added Chapman. "We understand that people actually prefer to be in their guest rooms and doing their work, so that's what we design the rooms for."

All 725 rooms are complete with bedside control for radio, lighting, drapes, air-conditioning, color television with 24-hour, in-house movies and satellite programs, international direct-dial telephones, voice mail, Internet portal and personal fax line. Every room has a sweeping view of Victoria Harbor and the Hong Kong skyline or a Kowloon city scene. "Japan is a very important market for us," stated Chapman. "We have a special package dedicated to the Japanese business traveler." There are Japanese as well as international staff ready to assist all guests.

The Kowloon Shangri-La

It's not surprising that the Kowloon Shangri-La has received numerous prestigious awards in addition to a high repeat-guest rate of 60 percent. Guests like to feel special... again and again.