The controversial Hong Kong Observation Wheel is set to reopen, with insurance giant
AIA co-presenting the attraction. A “wellness park” will also be constructed nearby.
The 60-metre-tall Ferris wheel will be operated on a three-year contract by The Entertainment Corp Ltd (TECL), which announced that tickets will be priced at HKD20, or a fifth of the previous rate. Elderly visitors will also receive a discount and children below three years old can ride for free.
In early September, the ride was embroiled in controversy after previous operator Swiss AEX suddenly padlocked the wheel, citing disagreement with TECL over payment and transition issues. Government officials threatened to demolish the structure unless the two firms could reach a compromise, which they did on September 6, according to a report by the
South China Morning Post.
“The wheel will now be known as ‘The Hong Kong Observation Wheel Presented by AIA’ and will be enhanced by an adjoining, newly created AIA Vitality Park, resulting in a unique destination for visitors to the Central Harbour Front,” said a statement by the insurer.
“The park will host, free of charge, a range of health and wellness-related activities and events for the public, starting in 2018 and throughout the year,” it added.
An opening date for the attraction will be announced in the coming weeks by AIA and TECL.
Related stories:
Sponsorship beats advertising, says AIA
AIA and Tottenham Hotspur renew shirt sponsorship deal
Allianz scoops naming rights for Juventus stadium
.jpg)
