Tens of Thousands Set to Visit Asia's World City for Annual Chinese New Year Celebration January 31, 2014

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On January 31, Hong Kong will undergo its annual city-wide transformation, morphing into the epicenter of the world's largest and internationally televised Chinese New Year celebration. Headlined by the award-winning Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Parade in Kowloon, and Chinese New Year Fireworks Display on the iconic Victoria Harbour, Asia's World City is set to welcome the "Year of the Horse" – the seventh sign in the Chinese Zodiac symbolizing new beginnings for 2014 – with one of the largest celebrations to date. This year, Hong Kong Tourism Board U.S. will catapult its annual Lunar New Year celebration to unparalleled levels, delivering marquee performances from award-winning groups from around the globe, including the National Football League's (NFL) Washington Redskins Cheerleaders, who are set to unveil a brand-new performance exclusive to the world-renowned Chinese New Year Parade.

"For years, Hong Kong has been the leading destination for authentic, thrilling Chinese New Year festivities," said Bill Flora, U.S. Director of Hong Kong Tourism Board. "The entire world will be watching as the city welcomes thousands of international visitors with the pageantry, sophistication and authentic culture that only Asia's World City can deliver."

The award-winning Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Parade kicks off Hong Kong's festivities on the first day of Chinese New Year (January 31), bringing an extravagant procession of embellished floats and international performers to the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. Now in its 19^th year, the Night Parade is set to feature an extensive roster of critically-acclaimed performances by world-renowned talent, including the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders, also known as the NFL's "First Ladies of Football." Recognized for their high-energy, non-stop sideline shows, the internationally recognized team travels near and far to entertain sold-out audiences year-round, making it only fitting that they venture to Hong Kong for Asia's biggest celebration, a permanent fixture on the holiday calendar enjoyed by millions of local and international audiences alike. Following the Redskins Cheerleaders international debut, on January 31, the celebration rolls on as Hong Kong's annual Chinese New Year Fireworks display engulfs the breathtaking skyline of Victoria Harbour.

To learn more about Hong Kong's unparalleled 2014 Chinese New Year Celebration and obtain a complete schedule of events, visit the official Hong Kong Tourism Board website at www.DiscoverHongKong.com/USA.

ABOUT THE WASHINGTON REDSKINS CHEERLEADERS: From the Redskinettes to the First Ladies of Football, the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders (WRC) are the longest running cheerleading team in the NFL. Founded in 1962, and originally named the Redskinettes, the team has brought worldwide recognition to the Redskins, the Washington, D.C. area and the NFL. Adorned in burgundy and gold, these dynamic women have been featured in national magazines and have performed with Grammy award winning artists. Annually regarded as one of the best professional cheerleading squads, the WRC have executed their routines at Super Bowls and overseas as part of goodwill military tours. Striving to make a difference both on and off the field, these talented women have played an instrumental part in a variety of charity, community and military events since their inception. The WRC also boasts the longest running Junior Cheerleader Program in which they mentor hundreds of young kids.  For more information on the WRC, visit www.Redskins.com/cheerleaders.

Internet: www.DiscoverHongKong.com/usa

SOURCE Hong Kong Tourism Board