The Hong Kong Tourism Board has officially launched the Hong Kong Mobile Host service for travelers to the region.

This tourist information service, which brings together the HKTB and local mobile network operators 3 Hong Kong, CSL, New World Mobility, PEOPLES and SUNDAY, is designed to provide visitors with an in-depth appreciation of Hong Kong's multi-faceted attractions via their mobile phones.

HKTB Executive Director Clara Chong said, "There's a growing trend towards independent travel worldwide, which is borne out in the HKTB's own surveys. In fact, 85% of overnight visitors to Hong Kong made their own travel arrangements, and 75% of overnight arrivals used their mobile phones while in Hong Kong. The Mobile Host service meets the increasing demand from independent travellers for an enhanced, activity-based travel experience and a better understanding of Hong Kong as a destination."

With the new service, visitors can access up-to-dat on-the-spot commentaries on key attractions, hot shopping offers, dining recommendations and major events. Introductions to the two key attractions of Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) and Po Lin Monastery are also specially provided by LKF founder Allan Zeman, and Po Lin Abbot, the Venerable Chi Wai.

Visitors can choose to purchase a 3-day pass at HK$60, which offers unlimited audio access to the service using a roaming SIM-Card without incurring any additional charges, or dial up on a call-by-call basis at prevailing airtime rates. The Hong Kong Mobile Host service is available in voice in English, Putonghua and Cantonese, and via WAP format.