**************************************************
Mr Lau Chun-hung is Hong Kong's most courteous immigration control officer - and that's official.
The Director of Immigration, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, and the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Ms Clara Chong, presented awards and souvenirs to Mr Lau at the Staff Motivation Scheme presentation ceremony at Immigration Headquarters today (March 7).
"The aim of the scheme was to encourage staff devotion to work and to strengthen their sense of belonging. This, in turn, will enhance quality of service," Mr Lai said.
He said the "Most Courteous Immigration Control Officer Election" in 2006 was the 11th campaign and its objective was to promote a customer-focused service culture in the Government and help promote Hong Kong tourism. Mr Lai thanked all frontline Immigration control officers at the various control points for their efforts to provide efficient and courteous service to travellers.
Tourism Board Executive Director Clara Chong commended the award winners, who had distinguished themselves by their dedication to quality services. "By offering visitors memorable encounters with the city's hospitality as soon as they arrive, and lasting, positive impressions when they leave, our immigration control officers help raise Hong Kong's profile as a world-class city and preferred travel destination," she said.
"Their outstanding services not only contribute to the growth of Hong Kong's tourism industry, but also underpin its future prosperity.
"As we face intense competition from other destinations, we must ensure that visitors enjoy the highest possible levels of service, and thoroughly satisfying and enjoyable experiences, so that they will return to Hong Kong, and encourage friends and relatives to visit," Ms Chong said. "I sincerely hope our Most Courteous Immigration Control Officers will continue to lead by example, and thus enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness as a destination."
Mr Lai thanked the Tourism Board for its support in making the Most Courteous Immigration Control Officers Election Campaign a success. The winner was named the Hong Kong Courtesy Ambassador by the board.
Mr Lai also presented awards to the other winners of the Most Courteous Immigration Control Officers Election Campaign and the Christmas Card Design Competition.
Ends/Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:43
NNNN