Fun fair aims to draw 1.5m visitors
The AIA Hong Kong World Carnival starts at Tamar next Friday, with organisers hoping to attract 1.5 million visitors in 101 days, despite ticket prices ranging up to HK$225 for the fun fair, for which entry was formerly free.
Carnival general manager Billy Stevens said organisers of the fair, which will cost more than HK$100 million to stage, were hoping to generate a 'considerable profit' from the new pricing policy, which covers the cost of the 70 rides and games.
The highest prices will be charged on December 24 to 26, December 31, January 1 and February 17 to 20, when the daytime prices will be HK$200 for adults and HK$125 for children, going up after 6pm to HK$225 and HK$150.
On weekdays, the prices will be HK$110 for adults and HK$75 for children during the day, and HK$150 and HK$95 in the evening. Prices will range up to HK$180 on weekends.
The tickets allow unlimited use of all the rides. Patrons will also be given tokens worth more than the ticket price for the game stalls.
The rides will include the Giant Wheel which, at 50 metres, has been touted as the biggest wheel in Asia, and G-Force, which shoots riders 50 metres into the air then drops them in free fall.
Mr Stevens said yesterday he hoped a New Year countdown could be held at the fair. Organisers were also negotiating to extend the opening hours on special days.
The last World Carnival at Tamar - from late 2003 to February 2004 - at which some rides cost more than HK$100, attracted 1.4 million visitors, who spent an average of HK$70 each.
