HONG KONG — Optimism about the future of trade events and trade shows is soaring in Hong Kong.
“All COVID restrictions have been lifted, including, finally, the mask requirement. The border with mainland China is operating without restrictions or quotas. The Hong Kong government has committed to offering international exhibition organisers free venue hire for the next three years,” said Mark Cochrane, UFI’s regional director in Asia. “In its latest budget, the government also confirmed that it has allocated over HK$200 million to attract business events to the city. The Hong Kong Tourism Board has hundreds of millions to draw tourists and business visitors back to the city. The future is finally looking bright here in Hong Kong.”
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Dr Pang Yiu-kai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), welcomed the lifting of the mask requirement from 1 March. “With the lifting of the mandatory mask rule, all social distancing measures in Hong Kong have ended. Local people and all visitors from around the world can now fully enjoy Hong Kong’s many experiences. This not only directly marks Hong Kong’s full return to normal, but also provides a boost to the recovery of our tourism industry,” he said. “The Hong Kong Tourism Board will immediately spread this good news to the mainland and overseas visitor source markets and invite Hong Kong visitors to enjoy our various international mega events, vibrant cityscape, inspiring open spaces and other unique experiences that our city and its new attractions have to offer and say, ‘Hello Hong Kong.’”
New promotional campaign
Hong Kong has also launched a promotional campaign to revive its tourism and trade fair sector. The “Hello Hong Kong” campaign includes the distribution of 500,000 free air tickets to welcome visitors from around the world.
Paul Chen, Financial Secretary of the HKTB, said the Hello Hong Kong campaign shows the world that Hong Kong is back.
In addition to free airfare, one million welcome gifts are being distributed, including cash vouchers for restaurants, shops or attractions, an exclusive gift from an attraction or museum, or welcome drinks.
Contact Mark Cochrane on +852 2525 6120 or mark@bsgasia.com; Dr. Pang Yiu-kai at yk.pang@hktb.com