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2021 is just around the corner. Every year, fireworks and a New Year's Eve countdown celebration in Hong Kong are usually held at Victoria Harbour, starting at midnight on December 31st and lasting about 10 minutes. Hong Kong's New Year's Eve fireworks are considered one of the most spectacular in the world.
This year, despite the ongoing Covid-19 situation, the Hong Kong Tourism Association is striving to bring a joyful New Year's Eve celebration to people around the world. On December 31st, 2020, the Hong Kong Tourism Association's signature countdown will be streamed online for the first time. This is an opportunity for everyone to participate in celebrating the New Year in Hong Kong via their computer or phone screens.
The countdown will take place sequentially on the Hong Kong Tourism Association's website and social media platforms (Facebook and YouTube) at 11:00 PM (HKT) and 11:30 PM (HKT) (which is 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM Vietnam time) on the night of December 31st. As soon as the clock strikes midnight, a 2-minute video showcasing Victoria Harbour and its famous nearby skyscrapers will be screened. Alongside this will be New Year's greetings from the Hong Kong Tourism Association to the world. This online countdown is not only an opportunity for Hong Kong to share the joy of the New Year with the world but also to convey an inspiring message of an optimistic and energetic Hong Kong, no matter what happens.
The Hong Kong Tourism Association is sharing its broadcasting frequency with media outlets around the world to collectively spread joy and hope to all corners of the globe.
Calvin Cheung, an English teacher living in Kowloon Peninsula (Hong Kong), shared: “I appreciate this innovative measure by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Hong Kong people were very disappointed that they couldn't watch the fireworks and the New Year's countdown, but with modern technology, we have found some comfort in having an alternative.”
Restricting large outdoor gatherings will help the world overcome Covid-19 sooner, and hopefully bilateral tourism between Hong Kong and Vietnam in particular, and the world in general, will soon return to normal, Calvin added.
