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Raymond Yeung

Ocean Park will be splashing out in excess of HK$10 million on Christmas attractions that will include a major stage spectacle to lure visitors during the holiday season, a week after reporting its worst deficit in almost three decades.
The park’s management denied a shift in focus to Southeast Asia after a sharp drop in the number of mainland visitors. They also said they were not worried that a 13.8 per cent entrance fee rise on January 1 would dent competitiveness.
Announcing their Christmas plans on Tuesday, chief executive Matthias Li Sing-chung gave an assurance that Ocean Park was ready to accommodate extra visitors once the MTR’s South Island Line came into operation on December 28, connecting the venue to the city’s vast railway network.
Watch: Ocean Park records HK$241 million deficit


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To usher in the festive season, the park will be rolling out Christmas-themed displays and performances starting this Saturday, with an iconic 12-metre-tall Christmas tree making a comeback near the entrance.

But the showpiece this year will be Cyber Illusion Spectacular, a 30-minute stage extravaganza of illusions and daredevil acts, including finalists from reality TV show Australia’s Got Talent.
According to a spokeswoman, the gig comprises over 50 professionals and will last until February 12 to also cover the Lunar New Year.
Those who wish to sleep alongside the animals would also have an opportunity with an overnight camp in the aquarium during Christmas at a fee of HK$1,580 for adults, and HK$1,380 for children.
A revamped meet-the-panda programme is now available for children aged between three and eight, allowing them to experience the daily routines of a panda caretaker.
Li added that more educational programmes and behind-the-scenes tours, some of which are free, will be rolled out next year to celebrate the park’s 40th anniversary.

On bumping up the admission fee to HK$438 for adults and HK$219 for children from January 1, the park head said it was still value for money considering the scale of the venue, which will gradually evolve into a resort upon the completion of two hotels and an all-season water park.
The price adjustment, announced earlier this month, drew mixed reactions from the public, with many linking it to a counter measure for the HK$241.1 million deficit recorded in the fiscal year ending June 30 – the biggest loss since the park ceased to be a Hong Kong Jockey Club subsidiary in 1987.
Li also denied that the Chinese market was beginning to saturate after a 40 per cent plunge in the number of mainland tours visiting last year.
“There is still potential for the middle-class mainland market. We are also targeting short-haul holidays across the border such as the “golden week” [national break], where Hong Kong is still an attractive destination,” Li added.


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Hong Kong’s Ocean Park to spend HK$10 million on Christmas attractions, including stage show

The Cyber Illusion Spectacular performance at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park to open the Christmas season of entertainment and spectacle. Photo: Nora Tam

"Cyber Illusion Spectacular" performance is seen as Ocean Park Kicks Off Christmas Sensation and Unleash Immersive Festive Entertainment. 13DEC16 SCMP/Nora Tam

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The showpiece will be Cyber Illusion Spectacular, a 30-minute extravaganza featuring finalists from reality TV show Australia’s Got Talent


Hong Kong’s Ocean Park to spend HK$10 million on Christmas attractions, including stage show

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The showpiece will be Cyber Illusion Spectacular, a 30-minute extravaganza featuring finalists from reality TV show Australia’s Got Talent

The showpiece will be Cyber Illusion Spectacular, a 30-minute extravaganza featuring finalists from reality TV show Australia’s Got Talent