|
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) held its annual large-scale trade seminar, "Tourism Overview 2024," at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on March 21, discussing the latest tourism trends and the Board's work plan for 2024 to around 1,200 representatives of local travel agents, attractions, hotels, airlines, retailers, food and beverage enterprises, MICE sector partners and cruise lines, as well as teachers and students from the tourism schools of local tertiary institutions.
This year's Tourism Overview is themed "Drive Success Together, As One." Dr. Pang Yiu- kai, HKTB Chairman, said in his opening remarks, "Last year marked a milestone for Hong Kong as we reconnected with the world and laid a solid foundation for tourism. This year, HKTB will devote our full efforts to converting travellers' interests into actual visits so as to uphold Hong Kong's role as an international metropolis, strengthen our role as a tourism hub and pursue quality growth. This relies on the active participation and support of the travel trade and tourism-related sectors, joining hands together, creating synergies and maximizing the tourism industry's contribution to the economy."
Mr. Dane Cheng, HKTB Executive Director, reviewed the tourism performances in 2023 and analyzed the outlook of the industry for 2024. Mr. Cheng also elaborated on HKTB's work plan and the four key strategic focuses, including staging and supporting world-class events, developing diverse and immersive experiences, stepping up promotions in visitor source markets, enhancing service quality and supporting the trade.
HKTB updates the trade on MICE and cruise tourism and market development
In addition, Mr. Kenneth Wong, HKTB General Manager, MICE & Cruise, updated the trade partners on the latest developments in the meetings, incentive travel, conventions, and exhibitions sector and the key initiatives for cruise tourism development.
HKTB North America provides an update
Mr. Michael Lim, HKTB Director for Americas, provided an update on the North American market. Mr. Lim mentioned that Hong Kong welcomed over 595,000 Americans and 209,000 Canadians in 2024. Mr. Lim said, "The good news is that travel intent to Asia is rising, and the region is on North American bucket lists. Leisure is also popular, and North Americans are taking longer trips with multiple destinations. This opens opportunities for us to target and cultivate multi-destination, luxury, and leisure segments."
| 
