HKTB provides trade updates during annual seminar
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) recently held its annual trade seminar, “Tourism Overview 2024,” at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on March 21.
During the event, representatives discussed 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. Teachers and students from the tourism schools of local tertiary institutions were also in attendance.
“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,” said Pang Yiu- kai, HKTB Chairman. “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.”
Dane Cheng, HKTB executive director, reviewed the tourism performances in 2023 and analyzed the outlook of the industry for 2024.
Enhanced support for the trade
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.
In addition, 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.
Michael Lim, HKTB Director for Americas, provided an update on the North American market. During his remarks, Lim noted that Hong Kong welcomed more than 595,000 Americans and 209,000 Canadians in 2024.
“The good news is that travel intent to Asia is rising, and the region is on North American bucket lists,” Lim said. “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.”
