United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Hong Kong achieves record UK visitors
UK visitors to Hong Kong surpassed the 600,000 mark for the first time last year, representing an increase of more than 16% over 2006.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) expects to build on the number this year and is gearing up trade activity in preparation.
A series of regional specialist agent dinners and a number of familiarisation trips, including a mega-fam likely to take place in May, are among the board’s plans for 2008.
The HKTB is also working to build its share of cruise business and will be participating in the UK Cruise Convention in Southampton in May, with a number of other initiatives planned.
HKTB executive director Anthony Lau said: “Asia is undoubtedly the next big thing in worldwide cruising and Hong Kong is ideal for this market, either as an exciting, convenient port of call or as the perfect hub for fly-cruise holidays.”
Meanwhile, the HKTB’s Hong Kong Specialist Online programme is continuing to help nearly 1,000 registered agents improve their product knowledge and selling skills.
Overall visitors to Hong Kong hit a record 28.1 million last year, up 11.6% on 2006.
Average hotel occupancy levels for the year were at 86% – one percentage point lower than 2006 but still reflecting a significant increase in room nights given a 9.3% increase in Hong Kong’s room supply between December 2006 and December last year.
Lau said: “2007 was an exceptional year for the UK market to Hong Kong, and we are confident of building on this success in the coming 12 months.
“Hong Kong’s role as host city for the Olympic Equestrian events will ensure a high profile, and with consumer focus on China Hong Kong is well placed to achieve even more touring business.”
Lau added that Hong Kong is now more accessible than ever before from the UK, with 80 non-stop flights a week from London.
A further milestone will be reached in 2008 when The Peninsula Hong Kong, one of the world’s top hotels, marks its 80th anniversary on December 11.
A year of celebrations has been planned with special accommodation and spa packages; helicopter and yacht tours.
Even afternoon tea dances in the lobby of the famous hotel have been revived on the first Sunday of each month between March and December.
by Phil Davies
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