As Open Jaw reported on 13DEC, Hong Kong has reopened to overseas visitors, and the Hong Kong Tourism board isn't wasting any time working to restore visitation after one of the world's longest lockdowns.
Dane Cheng, HKTB's Executive Director, said in a statement he was, “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 HKTB has had a plan ready to trigger on reopening, and it's outlined three strategies for bringing back visitors in the coming weeks, hopefully starting by the Lunar New Year in JAN, and months into 2023.
1. Global promotional campaign “Hello Hong Kong”
- The campaign will 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, and others from around the world to visit the city in person and experience the city for themselves.
- HKTB will work with the travel trade to participate in overseas trade shows to tell the good Hong Kong stories through tourism.
2. Showering visitors with hospitality treats and a 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, and 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.
3. Staging and supporting mega events
- HKTB will continue to organize a 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.
For more information, please visit www.hktb.com
