Newly appointed Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Mr Dane Cheng, assumed office on 1 November 2019. HKTB Chairman Dr Pang Yiu-kai remarked, “I am confident that Mr Cheng’s profound knowledge of the Hong Kong, Mainland and international markets combined with his excellent management skills will help the HKTB continue to promote Hong Kong worldwide with effective marketing strategy.”
He continued, “I am very pleased to have Mr Cheng joining the HKTB at this moment in time when the tourism industry faces huge challenges. I am certain that Mr Cheng will lead the team to overcome the current difficulties. Later, when the time is right, he will join forces with the travel trade and other sectors to launch a far-reaching global promotion, attracting visitors from every continent back to Hong Kong and rebuilding Hong Kong’s reputation as one of the world’s leading travel destinations.”
Mr Cheng said, “Despite the situation facing the tourism industry, Hong Kong has strong fundamentals, and offers visitors a diversity of unique experiences, which have helped the city through many challenges in upholding its status as a world-class destination. With my experience in the industry, I look forward to leading our team to deal with the challenges and work closely with our trade partners to maintain Hong Kong’s status as a preferred travel destination.”
Mr Dane Cheng has considerable experience in marketing and management in the tourism industry. After graduating from the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1986, he joined Cathay Pacific Airways and held senior positions at the head office as well as various regions. He was director of sales and marketing overseeing the group’s worldwide passenger businesses. He has over 30 years of deep industry knowledge in aviation and tourism. Prior to joining the HKTB, He was an executive director of Hang Lung Properties overseeing the group’s service delivery, including property services, customer experience and digital transformation. Mr Cheng will spearhead the development of the HKTB’s strategic direction, guiding the organisation to respond to emerging tourism trends with effective strategies, and strengthening partnerships with different stakeholders. Working closely with the Tourism Commission of the Hong Kong SAR Government and members of tourism-related sectors and organisations, Mr Cheng will oversee the development and promotion of the Hong Kong tourism brand to visitors from around the world.