China's Hong Kong has targeted to attract a record-high number of 27.14 million visitors in 2006 with global tourism market's strong interest in Asia, Hong Kong Tourism Board Chairman Selina Chow said on Monday.

"We expect that total visitor arrivals will reach 27.14 million," she told audience at a multi-media promotion of the city's tourism held in Bangkok.

"At the same time, the total tourism expenditure will exceed the 100 billion HK dollars mark to 114.7 billion HK dollars, " she added.

The target of a new record of tourist arrival was set with the Hong Kong government's strong campaign for the tourism sector.

"Over 4 billion US dollars of government funds have been used to develop tourist attractions that will help us realize our vision in becoming the premier tourist destination in Asia," said Financial Secretary Henry Tang at the promotion.

He was on a trip to Southeast Asia, which was aimed at promoting locals to visit Hong Kong.

Major attractions of the campaign include the Hong Kong Disneyland to be open to visitors on Sept. 12, 2005.

"We are working very hard with Disney to ensure that the forecast 5.6 million park visitors in the first year of operation will have a most memorable experience," said Tang.

In 2004, visitor arrivals to Hong Kong reached a record high of21.8 million, while the government revised previously announced 2005 target from 22.9 million to 23.41 million, according to Chow.

(Xinhua News Agency May 10, 2005)