Offering a distinctive experience with its natural scenery, animal exhibits, educational programmes and seasonal shows, Ocean Park Hong Kong stands out as a destination in its own. By 2020, the park will be rebranded as a Ocean Park Resort with the completion of its two new hotels and the waterworld area. Express Travel World unveils what’s new in store for the India market
A government owned theme park, which started as a non profit organisation in 1977, Ocean Park Hong Kong completed 40 years of operations this January. Situated on a mountain in the southern side of Hong Kong, the park enjoys scenic views of the South China Sea and the southern islands. Covering more than 91.5 hectares of land, the park is divided into the Waterfront and Summit areas, connected by the cable cars and The Ocean Express, a funicular train system. The theme park has more than 80 attractions including rides, animal exhibits and special encounter programmes. More than 140 million people have visited the theme park since its inception, which continues to offer new attractions and shows every year.
Talking about the India market, Vivian Lee, executive director, sales and marketing, Ocean Park, informs, “We have had a good response from the India market as it stands to be among our top three feeder source for international tourists, competing with Philippines and Korea. More than 40 per cent of overnight visitors in Hong Kong visited the theme park in 2016 and the numbers are only growing. The park majorly attracts leisure travellers, where large family groups come in with their kids.” Competing with Disneyland, the park offers a distinctive experience with its natural scenery, animal exhibits, educational programmes and seasonal shows. Lee mentions, “We want to offer a complete experience, be it for any age or gender. Therefore we not only offer rides like other theme parks but also have animal exhibits, special animal encounters and educational programmes for children where they learn about the environment. We have also recreated our ancient culture through the Old Hong Kong area to offer some regional experiences and local delicacies. That is why we are known as Hong Kong’s home grown theme park.”
Engaging attractions
The park also organises six seasonal shows during a year adding to the number of engaging activities. Todd Houghland, executive director, operations and entertainment, informs, “The park hosts special programmes like Summer Splash, Halloween Fest, Christmas Sensation, Lucky Lunar Fiesta and Animal Discovery Fest. This year we have launched another show ‘Chill out at the South’ to showcase global cuisines and entertainment programmes. During the seasonal event, the park stays open till l1 at night where the people can enjoy the various counters and entertainment offerings. We are expecting an increase in footfall due to the opening of South metro line which makes the park easily accessible during late hours.”
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Another animal discovery event is starting soon. “Our zoological team is busy working on new animal encounters where people will not have to pay to see the animals. We want to make sure our guests have more opportunities for a more intimate experience with our animals,” informs Houghland.
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Apart from the rides and animal exhibits, the special encounter programmes enable children to learn more about the sensitive environment. Maintaining the core principles of conservation, education and entertainment, the park has heavily invested in creating platforms where children can learn in a synergistic manner. The digital interactive platforms installed in every exhibit teach kids about various issues like marine animals, global warming, sustainable farming among many others. The educational instructors guide them through the exhibit, giving them detailed information about the animals. Ocean Park also launched its signature corporate programmes in 2011. The specially designed programmes incorporate the park’s natural settings, animal exhibits and rides. For any of the incentive activities, the park offers team building programmes like shark rescue and track racing which artfully use the entire area of the park. The seven dining options at the park have variety of cuisines for the Indian travellers to indulge in. However, the Bay View Restaurant serves Indian food with many vegetarian options as well.
The making of Ocean Park Resort
By 2020, the park will be rebranded as a Ocean Park Resort with the completion of its new waterworld theme park and two hotels. Lee informs, “The first resort property by the Marriott International will open early next year. Another accommodation, The Fullerton hotel, will open at the park by early 2020. Jointly, the hotels will offer around 700 rooms with banqueting and meeting venues as well.”
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A total investment of three billion Hong Kong dollars has gone into this new phase of development which will pan out in the next three years. Sharing more information about the newly themed waterpark, Houghland adds, “Due to the multilevel concept of the park you will have something around every corner. While we have rides and pools facing the sea, 60 per cent of rides will be indoors so it can also be used during the winter months. The mix of rides will offer numerous activities for families to enjoy. We have invested in creating the thrill of adventure and the park will be ready by summer 2019.”
For the convenience of the guests, the park has also invested in an advanced mobile application. The app has various facilities like virtual guided tours, e-sheduler, e-coupons and promotions, interactive park map among many others. It assists easy navigation for the visitors and also helps the operations team to manage the crowd.
With the technologically infused new attractions, accommodation on site and innovative guest engaging programmes, Ocean Park is ready to welcome more Indian guests in the near future.