Hong Kong is one step closer to welcoming its first flower-themed cultural and entertainment park following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) earlier today between Hong Kong based entrepreneur Alan Fang and Dutch floriculture expert Ibo Gülsen for the establishment of The Kaleido Park Joint Venture.
The official signing ceremony, which took place at 10am Central European Summer Time at Jansen’s Overseas in The Netherlands, one of the leading Dutch companies in producing year round flowers, was witnessed by Mr. Edward Yau Tang-wah, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong SAR Government and Mrs. Sigrid Kaag, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.
The multi-hectare initiative will become the driving force behind Hong Kong’s inbound Cultural Tourism, a rapidly growing segment of the industry. The ambitious project will offer visitors a unique immersive horticultural experience that connects nature with human emotions through the symmetry of colours and shapes of flowers. The Kaleido Park is evaluating a location within the site reserved for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s Phase 2 expansion for a multi-year exhibition.
Aligned with the Hong Kong SAR Government’s plans to step up efforts to organise mega events, and promote tourism-related initiatives, The Kaleido Park will elevate Hong Kong to a leading Cultural Tourism hotspot of Asia, attracting a wider community of global travellers who are technology and social media savvy, especially those actively seeking new experiences and enjoy ‘thematic’ travel. It will create positive economic impact and bring public joy to local residents through its array of breath-taking floral displays, flower shows, interaction and immersive workshops, and kids’ activities.
Mr. Edward Yau Tang-wah, GBS, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong SAR Government, said: “In line with the Government’s policy of diversifying our tourism products with international appeal, the Kaleido Park project is a timely initiative to enrich the travelling experience in Hong Kong with “garden tourism”. The European-style Kaleido Park will be the first-of-its kind project in Hong Kong, offering visitors unique horticultural experience through breath-taking floral displays. Leveraging on the success and experience of world-renowned gardens in the Netherlands, the Kaleido Park will certainly bring brand new experience to our city and immerse our tourists and locals in the stunning flower garden.”
The establishment of The Kaleido Park Joint Venture will also contribute to the further strengthening of the trade and economic relations between Hong Kong and the Netherlands, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding earlier on between the two governments to set up a bilateral Working Holiday Scheme for young people of the two places. The MOU was signed in April this year during the two-day official visit of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr Mark Rutte.
Mrs Sigrid Kaag, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Corporation of the Netherlands, said: “Hong Kong has always been a strong trade partner of the Netherlands, and the cooperation agreements that have been signed today by the companies involved signify the mutually beneficial economic growth opportunities. Among the Netherlands’ many treasures, we are delighted to be sharing one of our national prides, the tulips, and heritage of flower gardens with Hong Kong, through The Kaleido Park joint venture.”
Mr Alan Fang, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Kaleido Park, commented: “Flowers has long been welded into Chinese culture, especially during the likes of Chinese New Year when they are an integral part of the celebrations. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate so closely with this group of critically acclaimed international experts in horticulture to bring something that is so close to our hearts right to our own backyard. The Kaleido Park Project is a one-of-a-kind initiative, which will make our city a top destination for Cultural Tourism and create wonderful memories for overseas visitors and local residents who visit the park. I also want to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Edward Yau for witnessing this monumental occasion, and providing support so this wonderful idea can turn itself into a reality.”
Mr Ibo Gülsen, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Kaleido Park, added: “The Kaleido Park project is all about the connection between flowers and humans of all ages, gender and cultures. Its authenticity, creativity, aesthetics, timelessness, and the memories it creates for its visitors will be key to its success. We are absolutely delighted to share with Hong Kong our passion and expertise in floriculture through this wonderful initiative, and hope to inspire and educate through our creative direction.”
One of The Kaleido Park Joint Venture partners will be Jansen’s Overseas, a globally renowned specialist in flower bulbs, which will be supporting on the flower production processes.
Mr. Roland Duindam, Managing Director of Jansen’s Overseas said: “We are very excited to work with the Kaleido Park and extend the joy of spring in Hong Kong. It will be the world’s first flower show providing the longest experience of blossoming spring flowers, made possible through our production technology and experience in different climate zones around the world.”
