Shandong Aircraft Carrier Task Group to visit HK this Thursday

Tickets to visit China's Shandong Aircraft Carrier Task Group have been snapped up fast in less than 10 minutes today, days before the group arrives in Hong Kong this Thursday (3 July). It will also be available for the public to visit over the weekend, marking another initiative to enhance Hong Kong's appeal as a premier maritime hub while boosting tourism attractions.

A total of 10,000 tickets will be up for grabs via Hong Kong Garrison's official WeChat account Xiangjiang Lijian" (香江礪劍), including 2,000 tickets created for the aircraft carrier Shandong and 8,000 tickets for both the destroyer Zhanjiang and the frigate Yuncheng. Reservations open daily at 10am, 3pm, and 8pm from 30 June until all slots are filled.

According to RTHK, the first tier of tickets has been snapped up in less than 10 minutes, reflecting overwhelming public interest regarding the visit. 

The five-day visit, timed to celebrate the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule, aims to showcase China’s national defense achievements and military capabilities to local and foreign visitors, according to Global Times.

To strengthen public engagement, visitors will be permitted aboard the carrier Shandong, destroyer Zhanjiang, and frigate Yuncheng from 5 to 6 July to observe shipborne weapons, equipment, and live training demonstrations. The missile destroyer Yan’an will also join the port call.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to relevant government departments for more information.

Don't miss: 'HK cruise tourism shows sign of robust recovery,' says tourism chief

In recent years, the Hong Kong government has spearheaded initiatives to bolster the city’s status as a premier maritime hub. The tourism chief noted in January that cruise tourism was steadily recovering, with a marked increase in vessel arrivals and passenger numbers.

Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean's Spectrum of the Seas completed eight home-port voyages from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal during the season, while Costa Serena attracted 1,800 South Korean tourists to Kai Tak during a single weekend.

The upcoming visit of the Shandong aircraft carrier strike group will further highlight Hong Kong’s maritime appeal, complementing its cruise tourism revival.

Authorities are urging local businesses to leverage this momentum to attract international visitors.

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