The revamp of Ocean Park will result in this model of a state-of-the-art, marine themed attraction with spectacular views that no theme park in the world can match

World-class fun will be high on the agenda for tourists when Hong Kong's original amusement park, the marine-themed Ocean Park, emerges from a massive redevelopment.

Brand new adventures, state-of-the-art rides and three resort hotels will be packaged within the HK$5.55 billion (US$0.7 billion) redevelopment, to be implemented in phases beginning June 2006.

More than 70 attractions will be on offer when the makeover is completed in 2010. The phased development schedule allows the park to stay open and minimise interference to patrons.

The Ocean Park announcement came just two months after the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland, and coincides with yet another month of booming tourism. In September, Hong Kong welcomed nearly 1.8 million visitors, up 5.9 per cent on the same month in 2004. This takes the year-to-date tourism increase to 7.6 per cent.

Since its opening 28 years ago, Ocean Park has become one of Hong Kong's three most popular attractions. With tourist arrivals projected to continue to rise, Hong Kong Tourism Board says the improvements will greatly enhance the park's appeal and competitiveness, particularly for the family sector. The renovated park would become more attractive to visitors, creating a further impetus to Hong Kong's tourism industry and the economy in general.

Upmarket rides

Ocean Park Corporation chairman Allan Zeman said the new-look Ocean Park would be a world-class attraction with the best and most upmarket rides.

"Ocean Park is 28 years old, and it has a special meaning for Hong Kong people," he said. "Kids have grown up with Ocean Park - it has a special place in everyone's heart.

"The difference is that while Disney is all about castles, cartoons and make-believe, Ocean Park is real. Mother Nature has created the magic here, by giving us a setting that no other theme park in the world can match. When you get off our cable car and stand on the hillside looking at the South China Sea, it's a billion dollar view. I travel the world a lot, and this is one of the most spectacular views I've seen.

Ocean Park and Disneyland will complement each other, Mr Zeman said. "Disney is one of the great brand names in the world, and Hong Kong is lucky to have it. At Ocean Park, through nature and education, we aim to create one of the top sea mammal theme parks in the world."

Ocean Park's operators are forecasting that visitors will increase from 4 million in 2004 to more than 5 million by 2010 and over 7 million by 2021 - 22 with the redevelopment.

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