DotDotWeekly | Visitors reach pre-COVID level as HK embraces festive vibes

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News of the Week

HK embraces festive vibes

Hong Kong has been bustling with CNY celebrations over the past few days.

On Saturday, the 2024 International Chinese New Year Night Parade was held in Tsim Sha Tsui, featuring nine floats, along with 13 local and 16 international performing groups.

On Sunday night, a grand fireworks display was staged over the Victoria Harbour and lasted for 23 minutes.

The horse race and the soccer match on the following days were also well received and further boosted the festive vibes.

From February 10 to 13, Hong Kong attracted 750,000 visitors, authorities said. Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung said the preliminary figure reached the level in the same period in 2018 and matched earlier estimates.

HKSAR Govt slams US joint statement on Jimmy Lai case

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government on February 8 firmly opposed and strongly condemned a joint statement by four former Consuls General of the United States of America (US) to Hong Kong in relation to a case involving Jimmy Lai, and the US Consulate General in Hong Kong for posting the relevant statement.

A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, "Any attempt to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the HKSAR is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law of Hong Kong, and is very likely to constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice."

The HK Government strongly urged the US and the former Consuls General to discern facts from fallacies, and immediately stop their interference.

Foremost Group CEO Angela Chao dies in car accident

Angela Chao, the chief executive and chair of New York-based bulker owner Foremost Group, has passed away after a tragic car accident.

Born in 1974 into a family with deep roots in the shipping industry, Chao was the youngest of the six daughters of James Chao, who founded Foremost Group with her mother, the late Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, in 1964.

She joined Foremost in 1996 from the mergers and acquisitions department of Smith Barney, now a part of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, and took over the helm at the company in 2018.

Foremost said Chao was a passionate advocate for environmentally sustainable practices, but that most importantly, she believed that the foundational element of success is the belief that shipping is not an asset finance business, but that it's about people.

Tatler Asia offers half-refund for Messi match

Argentine footballer Messi's "absence" from Hong Kong's friendly matches continues to fester, with organizer Tatler Asia finally announcing a half-refund, and details of the arrangements are expected to be announced by mid-March.

Gilly Wong, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council, said in a radio program on Tuesday that the Council so far received more than 1,300 complaints on the game.

"The Consumer Council will then take the initiative to contact those who have already complained to the Council and overseas fans will also be informed of the refund arrangements," she noted.

Chubby Hearts lift off on Valentine's Day

The "Chubby Hearts Hong Kong" event kicks off on Wednesday as a celebration of Valentine's Day.

"Chubby Hearts Hong Kong" is conceived by renowned designer Anya Hindmarch, and curated and presented by the Hong Kong Design Centre. From Valentine's Day to the Lantern Festival, "Chubby Hearts Hong Kong" will turn the city's urban canvas into a creative expression.

"Floating majestically above the city's iconic skyline, these oversized, heart-shaped balloons are more than just a creative marvel; they are a declaration of love," The Courtesy of Hong Kong Design Centre noted.