LOS ANGELES, Dec. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Today, Hong Kong welcomed its 40 millionth visitor, American Nancy Ryan from Chicago, ILL., by way of Cathay Pacific flight 807, with a reception held at The Peninsula Hotel commemorating a record-breaking year for tourist arrivals. This occasion will mark the first time in history that Hong Kong has reached 40 million visitors within a single year. Ms. Ryan and several members of her family were greeted with remarks from Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr. Gregory So, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Chairman, Mr. James Tien, HKTB Executive Director, Mr. Anthony Lau, along with representatives from local travel trade, namely Regional Director of Marketing - China of The Peninsula Hong Kong, Mr. Simon Yip and Corporate Affairs Director of Cathay Pacific Airways, Ms. Quince Chong -- to officially announce this milestone.