Ocean Park launched a year-long celebration, featuring a host of exciting activities and special offers under the theme of “Making Memories”, to celebrate its 40th Anniversary. The festivities kicked off with a limited-time offer for Hong Kong residents.
At the ceremony, the Park revealed a number of special programmes, including: a community-care initiative – collaboration between Ocean Park, Chinachem Group and 18 District Councils; and the Park’s first-ever partnership with Modern Education Research Society (Modern Education Research Society) to create exclusive, conservation-oriented educational materials for local kindergartens. The Park also unveiled the results of the popular “Making Memories” Photo Contest, and recognised current and retired long-serving staff.
Ocean Park has also launched an extensive series of merchandise in collaboration with well-known local and international brands, including Kee Wah Bakery, one of the city’s most classic brands; Chicks, an iconic Hong Kong garment company; Ten Ren Tea, a tea company adored by Hong Kong residents; LeSportsac, a renowned bags and accessories brand; and Wooderful Life, a popular wooden music box brand, so guests can bring home a memento and relive this momentous occasion year after year.
The launch ceremony was officiated by CY Leung, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Gregory So Kam-leung, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development; Cathy Chu Man-ling, Commissioner for Tourism; Peter Lam, Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board; Payson Cha, Philip Chen and Allan Zeman, the Park’s past chairman; Leo Kung, Chairman of Ocean Park; Lau Ming-wai, Deputy Chairman of Ocean Park; Judy Chen, Chair of Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong and Matthias Li, Chief Executive of Ocean Park.
Leo Kung, Chairman, Ocean Park said, “Ocean Park is Hong Kong’s home-grown and premier theme park. We are honoured to have helped create lasting memories for generations of the city’s residents over the past 40 years, as well as welcome over 140 million guests. From humble beginnings with just 12 attractions, the Park has evolved into a world-class theme park. Our hard work paid off in 2012 when we received the Applause Award, a global accolade that recognises theme park excellence. As we celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we will not rest on our laurels and are already getting set to unveil the next phase of Ocean Park’s development, including two new hotels and Water World. We recently appointed Parkland (Hong Kong) Limited to build the HK$3 billion, Hong Kong Ocean Park Fullerton Hotel, which is set for completion in mid-2020. Featuring two, 10-storey towers, 460 rooms and breathtaking views of The Waterfront and Brick Hill, this hotel will solidify our status as a leading theme park. In addition, the launch of the MTR South Island Line (East) has made visiting Ocean Park even more convenient. These projects will set new industry standards and will put Ocean Park in the global spotlight, as we enter the next phase of our evolution and continue our journey as the Hong Kong people’s park.”
Payson Cha, former Ocean Park Chairman (1997 – 2000), said, “Among the many unforgettable memories of my time at Ocean Park, the most memorable no doubt was the arrival of the giant pandas An An and Jia Jia, and working with our unwavering staff to overcome the economic turmoil over my tenure. I congratulate the Park on its newest milestone, and wish you all the best in the years to come.”
Ocean Park opened its gates on 10 January 1977 with a mission to serve the community, with a 100-hectare land grant from the Hong Kong Government and initial funding from The
Ocean Park is part of the city’s collective memory and to encourage Hong Kong residents to reminisce about their great times at the Park over the past four decades, the Park launched the “Making Memories” Photo Contest in December 2016. The contest was extremely popular, with over 5,200 entries. The winning photo garnered over 2,000 votes. The winner received four Ocean Park SmartFun Annual Premium passes, each with a 10-year validity, during the ceremony today.
Leo Kung concluded, “As Ocean Park evolves and grows, our priority is to always offer guests a world-class experience that blends entertainment with education and conservation advocacy. I encourage everyone to visit the Park via the special HK$40 ticket promotion, create all-new memories and experience our 40th Anniversary Celebration, which also features limited-time F&B and merchandise items.”
