Dr Pang Yiu-kai, Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), expressed warm welcomes towards the Government’s announcement of removing the amber code for inbound visitors, “The new arrangement marks the opening of the tourism doors of Hong Kong. Upon fulfilling the vaccination and COVID-19 test requirements, visitors can now enjoy Hong Kong’s full range of diverse and exciting experiences, including our culinary offerings. We expect that the new measures will stimulate travellers interests in visiting Hong Kong.”
Currently, HKTB is hosting a mega familiarisation trip for about 60 Southeast Asia (SEA) travel trade representatives from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Phillippines and Singapore to allow them to experience in person Hong Kong’s new tourism appeals and winter festivity. As the Government lifted the amber code, the SEA delegate is the first inbound visitor group to fully enjoy Hong Kong’s dearly-missed cuisines and diverse experiences.
Mr Dane Cheng, HKTB Executive Director said, “It is glad to see the lifting of amber code arrangement for inbound visitors. It marks the opening of tourism doors of Hong Kong. Seizing this opportunity, HKTB presents Hong Kong’s brand new experiences to our overseas travel trade partners, whom we haven’t seen in a while, hoping that they will introduce brand new tourism products and share Hong Kong’s tourism appeal to visitors in their respective markets and bring them back to Hong Kong as soon as possible. The familiarisation trip marks the milestone first step to our continuous efforts in inviting travel trade partners and media organisations in other visitor source markets to Hong Kong. We will also roll out a global promotional campaign with a view to teaming up with various sectors across the city to drive the full revival of Hong Kong’s tourism together.”
HKTB’s three strategies for bringing back visitors
Rolling out global promotional campaign “Hello Hong Kong”
· HKTB will launch a global promotional campaign “Hello Hong Kong” to showcase Hong Kong’s iconic tourism appeals and new experiences, sending out the message that different sectors in the city stand together to warmly welcome visitors to Hong Kong.
· HKTB will invite hundreds of industry representatives, travel trade media, KOLs and Hong Kong Super Fans from around the world to visit the city in person and experience the city for themselves. For example, a group of directors from Southeast Asia will be invited to Hong Kong to make microfilms to showcase Hong Kong’s charms.
· HKTB will join hands with the travel trade to participate in overseas trade shows to tell the good Hong Kong stories through tourism
Showering visitors with hospitality treats and wide range of offers
· A series of hospitality treats, such as special welcome drinks will be provided to visitors arriving in Hong Kong in the first month of the campaign. About 100 restaurant and bar partners are expected to participate. Other hospitality treats will also be available.
· HKTB will partner with various sectors including airlines, tour operators, hotels to offer various treats to continuously drum up visitors’ intention to come to Hong Kong.
· Support the Airport Authority and airlines, especially in overseas promotions, in free air tickets giveaway.
Staging and supporting an exciting line-up of mega events
· HKTB will continue to organise an exciting line-up of mega events, including events that are specially designed for visitors, to showcase Hong Kong’s return to the international stage, generate positive word-of-mouth for Hong Kong and strengthen the city’s visibility around the world.
· More than 200 events and happenings are confirmed to be staged in Hong Kong in 2023.
· Over 100 large-scale MICE events will also be staged in town in 2023.
HKTB Brought Back Mega Trade Familiarisation Trip for SEA Trade Partners
SEA has long been Hong Kong’s important visitor source market with great potential. Recent visitor arrival figures reveal that SEA are the first group of travellers to return to Hong Kong.
The 5-day-4-night familiarisation trip will take the trade delegate to check out newest attractions including M+ and Hong Kong Palace Museum in West Kowloon Cultural District; voyage through religious site in “Hong Kong Neighbourhood – West Kowloon” to experience Hong Kong’s authentic local culture; experience new rides and performances in theme parks. The delegate also left their footprints at the the Christmas town of HKTB’s “Hong Kong WinterFest” and made a wish at the tallest outdoor Christmas tree in town.
HKTB also made every effort to assist the SEA trade delegate in liaising with the local travel trade, arranging meetings with both sides to explore future cooperation and open up business opportunities.
HKTB presents Hong Kong’s brand-new experiences to our overseas travel trade partners, whom we haven’t seen in a while, hoping that they will introduce brand new tourism products and share Hong Kong’s tourism appeal to visitors in their respective markets and bring them back to Hong Kong as soon as possible. HKTB will also continue to roll out various promotional campaigns to actively showcase Hong Kong’s to global visitors, tell the Hong Kong good stories and drive the rapid recovery of the tourism industry.