Hong Kong Tramways (“Tramways”) held a ceremony at Whitty Street Depot today, celebrating the launch of the TramOramic Tour – Hong Kong’s first-ever sightseeing tram tour abroad a 1920s’ style heritage tram. The ceremony, attended by more than 100 guests, marked a major new Hong Kong tourism initiative and a significant milestone for the city’s iconic tramways.
The ceremony today showcased Tramways’ commitment to advancing and enhancing its service where the Honourable Mr. Gregory SO Kam-leung, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr. Peter LAM Kin-ngok, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr. Eric BERTI, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Mrs. Ingrid YEUNG HO Poi-yan, Commissioner for Transport, Ms. Cathy CHU Man-ling, Commissioner for Tourism and Mr. Emmanuel VIVANT, Managing Director of Hong Kong Tramways simultaneously made their appearance on stage to officiate ribbon-cutting for unveiling the TramOramic Tour.
Mr. Gregory SO, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, said, “Creativity is one of the keys for our economy to continue to thrive and flourish. We attach great importance to and have actively encouraged the development of creative industries in Hong Kong. I am happy to see that the Hong Kong Tramways, with its imagination and creativity, has successfully turned a tram ride into a fun-filled and culturally enriching experience for the visitors.”
Dr. Peter LAM, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said “The tram has a long history and is also one of the most important icons in Hong Kong. To many visitors, taking a tram ride is a ‘must-do’ in Hong Kong, through which they can experience the old and new facets of the city. The HKTB would like to thank Hong Kong Tramways for rolling out this ‘TramOramic Tour’ for locals’ and visitors’ enjoyment. With this new product on the market, we will continue to work with Hong Kong Tramways and our local travel trade partners to promote this tour and will reach out to overseas consumers via our marketing and PR efforts.”
Mr. Emmanuel VIVANT, Managing Director of Hong Kong Tramways, said in his opening remarks, “Today, we are excited to introduce to you Hong Kong’s first-ever sightseeing tramcar, the TramOramic Tour. With this new initiative, we aim to benefit the local tourism industry by establishing a new attraction and help preserve the 111-year old Tram heritage. The service offers passengers a ‘100% Hong Kong’ experience on a unique Ding Ding from days gone by.”
The highlight of the TramOramic Package is an amazing 1-hour trip aboard a unique and elegant 1920s’ style tram with an open top upper deck. As the journey passes through the city streets, authentic Hong Kong stories and sites of interest are narrated to passengers via personal headphones in eight languages. The tram features an on-board video comparing past and present Hong Kong and a heritage corner with old pictures and genuine tram souvenirs.
The package also includes a 2-day pass giving unlimited free access to the Tramways’ regular service to deepen Hong Kong’s exploration and seven thematic journey maps for self-guided tours to interesting sites along the tram lines.
The first TramOramic Tour will commence on 24th January 2016. Tickets are now available for online booking via www.hktramways.com and onboard of each departing tour if seats are still available.
Timetable & routes
The TramOramic Tour departs 6 times a day, 365 days per year, travelling along the busiest Hong Kong spots, between Western Market Terminus (Sheung Wan) and Causeway Bay Terminus, and swinging through the Happy Valley loop.
Example of Thematic journey map for self-guided tour.