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Hong Kong International Airport: the doorway to Hong Kong

Starting out as a humble fishing settlement on the banks of the Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong has rapidly grown into an economic and business powerhouse. Colonised by the British in its early years, the little settlement evolved into one of the most prominent trade ports in Asia. As it evolved over the years, its focus shifted towards commerce and finance institutions becoming the home of major international corporations such as the Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation.

In its early years as a trade town, ships were the only way to reach Hong Kong. Its central trading position and popularity attracted tradesmen and visitors from around the world. Even after the advent of air transport, its popularity didn’t dwindle. Its rapid development made it one of the biggest airport hubs into Asia with many flights coming from the Middle East and the West.

The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has lived two lives, evolving from humble roots to becoming the fourth busiest airport in the world. Originally situated on Kowloon Island, the Kai Tak International Airport was the first international airport in Hong Kong. Originating as a military air base and then private air field for personal planes, the airport grew over the years to become one of the busiest airports in the world from the 70’s onwards, on occasion handling double the cargo and passengers it was mean’t for.

In the late 90’s ambitious plans were set in place by the Hong Kong government to build a state of the art modern airport to cater to the steady flow of people and cargo to and from Hong Kong. Chek Lap Kok Island was chosen as the location for the new international airport. In 1998 Chek Lap Kok International Airport was opened to the world.

It is rumoured that residents from neighbouring countries would fly over to Hong Kong just to shop at the vast plethora of duty free shops found at the airport. Hong Kong International Airport is considered to have on of the largest entertainment and retail centres in the world let alone outside Hong Kong’s CBD.

Terminal 2 of HKIA is home to Sky Plaza and Sky Pier. The Sky Plaza is a vast multitude of shops and entertainment services that rival some of the largest malls in the world. Offering everything from designer garments to the latest electronic devices and anything your heart desires can be found at the Sky Plaza.

The Sky Pier is a retail ferry terminal linking HKIA with Hong Kong and its neighbouring islands. This allows locals and tourists unfettered access via road, rail and ferry to come experience the wondrous entertainment options of HKIA.

Terminal 1 is the world’s largest passenger terminal building in the world. Unlike its sibling (Terminal 2), Terminal 1 has a vast shopping arcade, topped off with a food court surrounded by trendy restaurants offering a vast array of food from local to international cuisine.

But that’s not all, to ensure passengers and visitors alike are kept occupied, HKIA has its very own nine hole golf course. Here visitors can relax and play a game of golf whilst taking in the amazing views of the ocean and Hong Kong Island.

Travellers to Hong Kong will find many comfortable hotels in Hong Kong to stay in. Of the many hotels in Kowloon, Eaton Hotel Hong Kong stands out as conveniently located, contemporarily styled, luxury hotel in the heart of Kowloon. Offering superior value, with a wide selection of rooms and suites, the Eaton Hotel Hong Kong is sure to make your stay a pleasurable one.

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