Firework pullout (撤軍) by firms to cost $8.5m

Taxpayers will have to chip in (捐助) HK$3million and the Hong Kong Tourism Board HK$5.5 million for New Year  countdown celebrations after its two main sponsors dropped out.

 

Sun Hung Kai Properties and Henderson Land Development have withdrawn their sponsorship after supporting the annual event for the previous four years.

 

Tourism Board executive director Anthony Lau Chun-hon revealed yesterday just how much the firms’ decision will cost everyone.

 

“Total cost of the event is HK$8.5 million. Unfortunately, negotiations over sponsorship failed this October as [the two firms] declined to sponsor the event for the very first time,” Lau said.

 

He did not say how much the two developers contributed in previous years, and refused to comment on their reasons for pulling out.

 

“The show is key to boosting tourism by showcasing the beauty of our nightscape to the world, via hundreds of international media outlets,” Lau said.

 

“We will strive to look for more potential sponsors to continue the legacy (遺贈) amid a funding crisis.”

 

This year, viewer can expect longer pyrotechnic (煙火) display and a more dazzling (燦爛) skyline for the December 31 show, which will last four minutes, about 30-40 seconds longer than last year.

 

Tourism Board director of events and  product development Mason Hung Chung-hing said: “Since the Chinese zodiac is the dragon in the forthcoming Lunar New Year, the theme of the show for 2012 is Soaring (飛騰) Dragon with a Happy Heart.”

 

Hung said “a golden dragon” will circle around the façade of Two IFC before taking to the sky-symbolizing the hope that our living standards and economy will soar next year.

 

“The public may make a wish on a shooting (發射) star every 15 minutes, starting form 11pm, sparking (火花) excitement and a festive atmosphere leading up to the countdown,” Hung said.

 

The fireworks display will be launched from the rooftops of 10 skyscrapers, lighting up the sky with shooting stars in four different colors to symbolize good wishes for career, health, fortune and love.

 

The show is set to generate advertising revenue of HK$130 million.

 

The total number of tourists this month is likely to hit four million, an increase of about 14 percent on last year.