5 May 2017 – Tai O Heritage Hotel has received more than one million visitors and guests since it opened doors five years ago. Through conservation of the Old Tai O Police Station and organising more than 100 community engagement programmes, the Hotel not only strives to preserve the unique charm of the fishing village and the neighbourhood, but also works with the local community to develop Tai O into an ecotourism hotspot. By promoting local employment, the Hotel also supports Tai O’s economic and sustainable development.

In celebration of the fifth anniversary, from now until the end of the year, the Hotel is staging a series of celebration programmes for locals and tourists to promote heritage conservation and revitalisation in Tai O.

The Honourable Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, GBM, GBS, Chief Executive-elect of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; The Honourable Mr Eric Ma Siu-cheung, Secretary for Development, Development Bureau; Mr Daryl Ng, Director of Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation Limited; Mr Lou Cheuk-wing, MH, Chairman of Tai O Rural Committee; Mr Henry Lok Tak-chi, Chairman of the Hong Kong Marine Police Retirees’ Association, as well as the Tai O community and friends were invited to the Fifth Anniversary Gathering staged by Tai O Heritage Hotel on 5 May 2017, during which they enjoyed the performance by the Cha Duk Chang Children’s Cantonese Opera Association to show support for cultural conservation.

Speaking at the gathering, Mr Daryl Ng thanked the government, the Tai O Rural Committee, the Tai O Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Hong Kong Marine Police Retirees’ Association and Tai O residents for their support, ‘Tai O Heritage Hotel is part of the Tai O community. In the past five years, we have worked together to promote the conservation of building heritage and ecotourism in Tai O, as well as supporting local employment and economic development. Presently, over half of our staff are Tai O and Lantau residents. In addition to providing free daily guided tours, the Hotel has also organised over 100 community programmes, including traditional cultural activities, community services, and home care services for the elderly living in Tai O.’

Mr Ng also noted out that since its opening in 2012, the Hotel has received more than one million visitors. Moreover, the Hotel has won international recognitions, including the Award of Merit at the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage Awards 2013 in addition to being voted ‘Asia’s Leading Heritage Hotel’ at the World Travel Awards™ 2016. He added that the Hotel would continue to work with the Tai O community in conservation, ecotourism and sustainable development.

First Day Cover Featuring Images of Tai O to Support Conservation and Revitalisation

In commemoration of the fifth anniversary, Tai O Heritage Hotel collaborates with Hongkong Post on First Day Cover series featuring images of Tai O and Tai O Heritage Hotel created by Hong Kong and overseas artists, including To Wing Chi, student of CCC Tai O Primary School; Stanley Wong, Tai O native artist; Tam Ka Yee, talented artist from Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong; Irene Flanhardt, local artist; Helen Fan, local artist, and Tudor-Petru Moldoveanu, a young Romanian artist who participated in the Hong Kong International Children Painting Competition 2013/14.

The Fifth Anniversary First Day Cover series, priced at HK$150, will be on sale at Tai O Heritage Hotel from 16 June 2017. This is a limited-edition item with only 1,000 pieces issued. All sales proceeds will be pledged for heritage conservation and Tai O community activities to support conservation and revitalisation and promote ecotourism in Tai O.

Tai O Heritage Hotel Fifth Anniversary Special Offers Now Available

From now until 31 December 2017, Tai O Heritage Hotel is introducing a series of Fifth Anniversary Special Offers, including up to 50% off dining offer. Local residents and tourists are cordially invited to visit Tai O and experience the local community, appreciate the beautiful scenes, savour the delicious Tai O specialties and join the eco-tours.

New Explore Tai O Package Coming in Summer to Promote Ecotourism

Entering its fifth year, Tai O Heritage Hotel continues to participate in events in Tai O, including the Dragon Boat Water Parade of Tai O that is listed on China’s third national list of intangible cultural heritage, the First Tai O Heritage Hotel Arts Exhibition and Tai O cultural workshops.

• May -Fifth Anniversary Community Session cum Children’s Cantonese Opera Appreciation
• June & July – Art exhibitions and workshops on Cantonese opera, photo-taking in Tai O, painting and handicrafts at Tai O Heritage Hotel
• September & October – Guided Tour Months for schools and charitable organisations

In addition to promoting Tai O culture, Tai O Heritage is committed to promoting ecotourism in Tai O. In the coming summer, the Hotel will launch a new Explore Tai O Package. Visitors will go on a guided trip to the disused salt pan, which was once Hong Kong’s largest salt pan and experience Tai O’s salt-making industry, and enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the way back with an array of refreshments while indulging in the magnificent views of the charming fishing village.

The Hotel is also introducing more ecology-themed activities for visitors, such as Dragon Boat Water Parade Tour, Hotel Glamping Package, Sustainable Farming Experience Programme, Mangrove Picnic Trip and Sunset Dinner. The Hotel will also continue to work with Tai O residents on organising workshops, such as Cha Kwo (Steamed Sticky Rice Dumpling) Making Workshop, Salted Egg Yolk Making Workshop and Festive Food Workshop. Visitors will be able to take a closer look at Tai O’s natural ecological environment while enhancing awareness of nature conservation.