Short-haul travel markets may open soon: HKTB

As China prepares to open borders between Macau and the mainland, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is ramping up efforts to re-engage and attract MICE planners from regional source markets.

Discussions with other destinations on forming travel bubbles are also progressing well, lending confidence to the business events sector’s recovery.

“It is anticipated that the mainland, in particular the Greater Bay Area, and some short-haul markets will be open for travel relatively soon," said HKTB chairman, YK Pang. 

"HKTB is planning promotions and tactical offers targeting these markets, which will be launched immediately once cross-boundary travel resumes."

Pang added that the tourism board is also working on Open House Hong Kong – a co-platform between the HKSAR Government and trade partners serving to inform international visitors and planners of the destination’s Covid-safe status, together with a host of attractive offerings and experiences.

Driving this momentum is a slew of recent event wins, which include first-time meetings such as The International Air Transport Association (IATA) World Cargo Symposium, the Asia Sports Technology Conference, the Congress of the Asian Society of Transplantation, and the China Millions Forum Elite Annual Meeting.

“We are excited to see Hong Kong winning such strategically important MICE events against competitors around the world,” Pang said.

"It demonstrates international event organisers' confidence in Hong Kong as a strategic, safe and hygienic destination for high-profile business events. 

"HKTB will continue to proactively engage international and Hong Kong organisers to bid for hosting rights of major MICE events and step up efforts in attracting repeated events with a view to maintain Hong Kong's status as 'The World's Meeting Place'.”