'Hong Kong Pals Programme' Expanded To Recruit More Passionate Hong Kong Residents to Promote Local Culture

?As an old Hong Konger, I fully support the ?Hong Kong Pals Programme?, which not only promotes Hong Kong to visitors but also enriches my life and boosts my confidence; I am only too glad to take part!? Alan, a ?Hong Kong Pal? in service, shared his half-year experience in providing frontline visitor services.

In the past six months, 29 local residents passionate about Hong Kong stationed at Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Visitor Centres under the ?Hong Kong Pals Programme?.  They acted as ?Hong Kong Pals? to introduce distinctive local lifestyles and culture to visitors.  The programme has proven highly popular among both visitors and local residents, and so the HKTB has decided to launch the programme for the second time and expand its scope.  Recruitment of a new batch of ?Hong Kong Pals? has already commenced.

HKTB Executive Director Mr Anthony Lau said: ?Many visitors nowadays look for an ?authentic? travel experience.  Visitors to Hong Kong, first timers or otherwise, are keen to explore our indigenous culture and places frequented by locals.  Therefore, the HKTB launched the ?Hong Kong Pals Programme? last year to invite local residents with thorough knowledge of Hong Kong as volunteers to provide personalised recommendations to visitors who wish to experience Hong Kong?s ways of life and culture.?

Mr Lau added: ?Many visitors have high regards of the services offered by the ?Hong Kong Pals?, who also show great support to the programme they find life-enriching.  In view of the programme?s popularity, the number of volunteers this year will be doubled to 60 and service availability will be expanded from three days a week to every day.  We hope more local residents can join us in promoting Hong Kong?s unique culture.?

The new batch of ?Hong Kong Pals? will start service in October 2010 at HKTB Visitor Centres at the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Concourse and the Peak Piazza for one year.  Hong Kong residents aged above 18 are welcome to sign up as ?Hong Kong Pals?, so long as they have a passion for Hong Kong and visitor services, possess knowledge of local culture, speak fluent Cantonese, English and Mandarin, and are eager to mingle with visitors.

All applications will be screened by the HKTB and the Agency for Volunteer Service (AVS), and shortlisted candidates will attend two rounds of interview and a tourism product quiz in May and June.  Successful candidates will become ?Hong Kong Pals? and attend a 60-hour training programme between July and September.  The training is conducted by specialists on various subjects, such as local culture, history and heritage, shopping and dining, and architecture and attractions.