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Amid music, fanfare and confetti, Ocean Park on June 12 welcomed its one-millionth Chinese mainland visitor for the fiscal year 2001-2002.

As Miss Chen Linxi, a tourist from Zhejiang Province, was passing through the turnstile at the park's main entrance, mascot Whiskers popped up and declared her the one-millionth visitor from the mainland.

A ceremony was held to celebrate this special moment, and Chen was presented with an Ocean Park gift and a commemorative gold plaque.

Ocean Park is attracting an increasing number of mainland visitors, thanks to the recent relaxation of travel restrictions by mainland authorities, and to tour groups who are listing the Ocean Park as a "must see" item on their itineraries.

"We will continue to extend our warmest welcome to mainland visitors," said Randolph Guthrie, chief executive of Ocean Park. "The mainland market is driving Ocean Park's growth."

Recent figures from Hong Kong Tourism Board showed over 4.4 million visitors arrivals from the Chinese mainland last year, of which more than half were for vacation purpose.

Several initiatives have been enforced to keep up with the need of mainland visitors. Putonghua speaking staff is stationed at Ocean Park to better serve mainland visitors. Renminbi is accepted throughout the park and brochures and maps are printed in simplified Chinese characters.

"This move will ensure that mainland visitors have a memorable experience at the park, and it reflects our commitment to be a leading player in revitalizing the Hong Kong tourism industry," Guthrie said.