Thursday, February 22, 2024
Hosted by the Exhibition Group and jointly organized by the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong and the Shenzhen Tourist Association, the “Hong Kong Holiday and Travel Expo 2024” is set to take place from today until February 25 (Thursday to Sunday) over four consecutive days at Hall 3FG of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. Featuring six distinct exhibition areas covering local tours, hotels and dining, high-speed rail, theme parks, Recreational Vehicles, and souvenirs, the event boasts over 300 booths, offering citizens a comprehensive platform to fulfill their travel aspirations. Attendees can directly engage with exhibitors ranging from travel agencies, airlines, theme parks, hotels, and restaurants to tourism bureaus and travel experience platforms, creating an immersive travel carnival catering to all aspects of travel desires – from dining and shopping to entertainment, transportation, and accommodation. Exciting activities such as lucky draws and on-site quiz games await visitors, with prizes including complimentary theme park tickets, high-speed rail passes, round-trip business class airfares, hotel accommodation packages, and exclusive travel memorabilia, collectively valued at up to 2 million Hong Kong dollars.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed figures including Mrs. Gianna Hsu, Chairperson of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong; Mr. Zhou Quanlin, Secretary-General of the Shenzhen Tourism Association; Ms. Vivian Sum, Commissioner for Tourism; Hon Perry Yiu Pak-leung, Legislative Council Members representing the Tourism constituency; Mr. Zhang Dong, Director of the Asia Tourism Exchange Center; Mr. Dane Cheng, who serves as the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, is recognized for his contributions to the tourism industry.. Stephen Wong, Strategic Partner of the Exhibition Group; Mr. Wong Soon Hwa, PATA Ambassador For Greater China; Ms. Annie Fonda, Executive Director of the Travel Industry Authority; Mr. Edward Bell, General Manager of Brand, Insights & Marketing Communications at Cathay Pacific; Mr. Bruce Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Consumer at HKT; Mr. Desmond Leung, Head of Credit Cards at Standard Chartered; Ms. Helena Chen, Managing Director of Hong Kong & Macau at Mastercard Worldwide; Mr. Carl Wong, Chairman of the Exhibition Group; and Ms. Shirley Chu, General Manager of the Exhibition Group.
The expo has garnered significant backing from key players in the tourism industry, with Cathay Pacific, Klook, KKday, MTR Corporation, Ocean Park, and numerous renowned travel agencies among the prominent participants. Additionally, support from businesses such as 1010/CSL, Mastercard, Standard Chartered, and over a hundred global hotels and restaurants underscores the event’s significance. With the gradual normalization of cross-border travel, the global post-pandemic tourism market is witnessing a resurgence in demand. By the first quarter of 2023, international tourist arrivals had already rebounded to 80% of pre-pandemic levels, signaling a robust recovery and propelling the global tourism industry toward an anticipated value of 15.5 trillion US dollars.
Mr. Carl Wong, chairman of the Exhibition Group, states, “Under the ‘revenge travel’ trend, it is evident that citizens have a strong demand for travel products. Hong Kong Holiday and Travel Expo 2024, as the first travel carnival in Hong Kong, perfectly responds to this trend and provides citizens with an excellent opportunity to showcase, experience, and purchase various travel products and services. At the same time, it provides a platform for the industry to reach out to the public. We will continue to collaborate with various sectors to bring more diverse and enriching travel experiences to citizens and visitors and are committed to promoting the future development of the Hong Kong tourism industry.”
The exhibition boasts diverse exhibition areas, highlighting destinations such as Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, and Taiwan, offering attendees the opportunity to explore and select their dream trips worldwide. Fueled by the “Belt and Road Initiative” policy, tourism in cities along the route flourishes, adding to the exhibition’s allure. Notably, a dedicated Hong Kong Muslim zone offers a glimpse into Islamic culture through local specialty tours and cuisine. Additionally, a Recreational Vehicle exhibition area showcases the burgeoning trend of camping and Vanlife vacation modes. In line with recent government initiatives supporting tourism in Sha Tau Kok, the exhibition presents information on entry applications and attractions in the area.
Covering the entire spectrum of travel experiences, the event presents various elements for attendees to discover: unique destinations, immersive cultural experiences, trendy activities, culinary delights, and more. Renowned figures such as Izumi Soko, a Japanese actor in Hong Kong, and travel experts Jarvis Chow and Chris Leung share insights and tips for destinations like Tokyo, Tottori, and Turkey, enhancing participants’ understanding of diverse cultures and customs.
The first 800 daily visitors receive a complimentary travel Club Sim (4-day data roaming pass). Moreover, attendees purchasing tickets on-site or presenting electronic tickets qualify for a lucky draw, with prizes including theme park tickets, high-speed rail passes, air tickets, and hotel stays. The “Mastercard® Card Sign-and-Spend Lucky Draw” offers additional chances to win prizes such as round-trip air tickets and hotel stays in various destinations worldwide, valued at up to HK$2 million. Notable travel platforms KKday and Klook provide exclusive benefits and discounts, further enriching the event experience.
Education and youth development are paramount for the government, aiming to nurture a generation with global perspectives and love for Hong Kong and the country. The exhibition recognizes this by hosting the inaugural “Hong Kong Outstanding School Study Tour Awards Presentation” on February 25, acknowledging schools and study tour organizers for their efforts in organizing enriching experiences for students, fostering international understanding and perspective among the youth.
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
