Why Go?
Hong Kong boasts picturesque beaches, one of the most iconic skylines in the world and many creative and unique MICE venues, the latter of which is set to continue to expand. "The nightlife, restaurants, shopping, natural beauty and unique cultural attractions make Hong Kong a preferred destination for both business and leisure," says Kenneth Wong, the general manager of the Hong Kong Tourism Board's MICE & Cruise division. "MICE travel is an evolving and increasingly significant field, and Hong Kong is working tirelessly and investing heavily to upgrade the hardware and software international business visitors expect."
Get perky
The 2016/17 Hong Kong Rewards! Programme from the Hong Kong Tourism Board offers MICE delegates a range of discounts and privileges including complimentary cocktail receptions at designated hotels, priority seating and welcome refreshments at Hong Kong Disneyland, buy-one-get-one-free afternoon tea sets at Ocean Park Hong Kong, up to HK$2,000 in shopping and dining discounts, and complimentary cultural performances.
Cultural bonanza. The Chinese Opera Festival, which takes place from June 17 to August 14, will highlight various genres of Chinese opera, including Kunqu, Peking and Cantonese as well as regional variations from Shandong and Zhejiang. Meeting planners can also arrange for tea appreciation and kung fu appreciation classes among other cultural immersion programmes.
Naturally blessed. Well-maintained hiking trails and numerous parks can be found right in the heart of the city, while pristine beaches are a relatively short trip away. A strenuous trek up to The Peak rewards those energetic enough to tackle it with great views of the Hong Kong skyline, while the much more gentle hike along Dragon's Back offers beautiful beach scenes.
Versailles Ballroom with LED Wall. A gourmand's dream. Hong Kong is without doubt one of the world's great cities when it comes to eating. From Michelin-starred French cuisine to street stalls serving up classic Cantonese dishes, there's something for everyone. The Pawn, housed in a historic colonial-era building in Wan Chai, offers traditional and modern British cuisine along with two floors of private event space. For views of the skyline, both on land and at sea, try Japanese-Italian restaurant Aqua. The fantastic view of Hong Kong Island from the restaurant is matched only by the view from the Aqua Luna, one of Hong Kong's last red-sailed Chinese junk boats. Aqua can accommodate small groups in one of four private dining rooms or large groups up to 400, while the Aqua Luna is available for private charters for up to 80 people.
Unique Venues
Private boxes which can accommodate up to 80 people at Sha Tin and Happy Valley racecourses offer sweeping views of the horse races along with monitors to get up close, betting facilities and guest relations assistance.
Tram Oramic Tour. The former Police Married Quarters (PMQ) on Hollywood Road in Central has been transformed into a creative and culinary arts hub that's quickly becoming the venue of choice for the city's chicest MICE events. The venue boasts 1,600 square metres of event space right in the heart of Central's SoHo district.
Evoke the inner child in delegates at one of the happiest places on Earth. The 126-hectare Hong Kong Disneyland is located on Lantau Island, just 30 minutes from the city centre and 15 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport. MICE groups meeting at Hong Kong Disneyland will discover two elaborately themed hotels, a 1,500-square-meter conference center and expansive event lawns and outdoor function spaces.
Meeting Hotels/Hotels
The 436-room Mira Hong Kong offers over 1,300 square metres of flexible event space spread across eight function rooms. The naturally-lit 937-square-metre pillarless ballroom offers six concepts while quirky and unique coffee breaks fuel attendees. Cutting edge technology includes the portable Wi-Fi buddy which allows internet connectivity beyond the hotel.
The seaside location of Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel offers delegates the opportunity to unwind at the tranquil beach just steps from the hotel. The lawn is popular for pre- or post-event cocktail receptions and the hotel's pillarless grand ballroom can accommodate up to 700 guests.
The JW Marriott is a well established business hotel with a convenient downtown location and direct access to the Pacific Place Shopping Mall. With 602 guest rooms and the largest ballroom on Hong Kong Island, the hotel is ideal for larger meetings and conventions. Executive meeting suites on the 30th floor can accommodate smaller business events while the Pool Lounge offers an alfresco setting for up to 70 delegates.
Also located in the heart of Hong Kong's central business district is the Conrad Hong Kong. Versatile function space includes the a grand ballroom and 11 function rooms. The 512-room hotel is 61 floors and offers beautiful views of Victoria Harbour and The Peak.
Temple Street Night Market. Regal Kowloon Hotel has 600 rooms and 14 function rooms that can cater to groups of various sizes, the largest being the Versailles Ballroom which can accommodate up to 450 people. The brand's well situated 1,171 room Regal Airport Hotel is the only hotel directly linked to the airport's passenger terminal. With a 1,000 square metre pillarless ballroom and 30 function rooms, the Regal Airport Hotel has the most extensive meeting and conference facilities in Hong Kong.
Ideas for Incentives
Get a breath of fresh air on a private tour of Sai Kung, a village located in the east corner of the New Territories. Although just 20 km from bustling Kowloon, the quaint villages and white-sand beaches will make you feel a world away.
The latest landmark on the New Central Harbourfront, the 60-metre-high Hong Kong Observation Wheel offers views of Victoria Harbour in one of 42 luxury gondolas. If you're really looking to impress, try the VIP gondola - it has a glass bottom so is not for the faint of heart.
Hop aboard a 1920's-style tramcar for the TramOramic tour. An open-top tram offers a good vantage point for taking in the skyscrapers and colonial buildings on Hong Kong Island. Tales of local life and the history of the tram are offered via an audio guide while a tram attendant in costume completes the experience.
Attractions
The highest point on Hong Kong Island, The Peak, offers stunning views of the city below. Almost as impressive as the view itself is the ride up on The Peak Tram. Once at the top stretch your legs on a leisurely 3.5 km walk on the Peak Circle Walk or head up to The Peak Tower viewing platform, Sky Terrace 428.
Journey to Lantau for the 360 Buddhist Walk which starts off with a Ngong Ping Cable Car ride that affords for panoramic views of the island. Guests are then transported to 34-metres high Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha. The tour includes a visit to Po Lin Monastery, The Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas and the Wisdom Path.
When the sun goes down, Hong Kong really comes alive. Head to the Temple Street Night Market to see one of Hong Kong's most popular street bazaars in action. The market offers everything from electronics and trinkets to opera singers and fortune tellers. Come with an appetite and dine on fresh seafood or oyster pancakes at one of the many sidewalk restaurants.
+ Airport transit
Hong Kong International Airport is 35 kilometres from Central Hong Kong. The Airport Express links HKIA directly to Hong Kong's central business district for HK$100 while a taxi to Central Hong Kong will cost HK$295. All major hotels provide a pick up service.
+ Taxes
10% service charge and a 5% government tax.
+ Contact
Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong; (852) 2807 6543
mehongkong.com