Hong Kong Tourism Board successful with its first travel mission to the Gulf Cooperation Council

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) successfully concluded its first travel mission to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) from 7 to 9 October.

The HKTB met with travel partners from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) whilst showcasing the territory’s best attractions.

This year’s mission showcased Hong Kong’s growing appeal among travellers from the GCC, with the city welcoming 19,273  visitors between January and August 2024. This shows an increase of 124 percent from figures seen last year. 

The visitor numbers for the first half of 2024 alone nearly matched the total number of arrivals from the GCC in 2023, reflecting Hong Kong’s growing reputation as a premier destination for luxury travellers.

HKTB director for South Asia and the Middle East Puneet Kumar said of the mission: “We are pleased with the strong recovery in GCC visitor numbers, which underscores the region’s growing interest in Hong Kong’s offerings. From luxury shopping and dining to rich cultural and heritage experiences, Hong Kong provides an array of unique attractions for GCC tourists. Our engagement with the travel trade fraternity in Riyadh and Dubai gave us the confidence that we will be able to attract more visitors to Hong Kong, with their strong support. We are dedicated to ensuring travellers’ travel experiences are memorable, and we look forward to welcoming even more visitors from the region.”

Key strategies

As part of its 2024-2025 tourism marketing strategy, HKTB aims to position Hong Kong as a premium destination targeting families, experiential travellers, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and leisure travellers through various B2B and B2C activities like destination workshops, e-learning, digital marketing and joint collaborations with travel agents, airlines, media.

In the coming months, Hong Kong will host several large-scale events, including the Hong Kong Taste Around Town festival, Winterfest, and the New Year Countdown. Additionally, cultural and sporting highlights such as Art Basel, Hong Kong Rugby Sevens and the Dragon Boat Races are expected to draw visitors from around the globe.

For Muslim travellers, Hong Kong offers a wide range of Halal food options, prayer room facilities, and Muslim-friendly hotels, with resources available in English and Arabic on the Discover Hong Kong website.

A Hong Kong showcase

The roadshow featured a distinguished delegation of 30 key Hong Kong trade partners, including representatives from iconic attractions, luxury hotels and destination management companies (DMCs). 

The event likewise attracted over 200 travel agents from across the GCC, providing them with an in-depth understanding of Hong Kong’s premium offerings tailored for affluent travellers.

The HKTB’s brand-new initiative “Travel in Luxe” especially curated for GCC market captivated attendees with an array of luxury experiences, including helicopter tours over Hong Kong’s skyline, VIP access to Hong Kong Disneyland’s “Momentous Nighttime Spectacular,” private shopping concierge services, and exclusive dining experiences. 

Attendees were also introduced to bespoke cultural activities like private Cantonese opera at the Xiqu Centre and horse-racing events hosted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.



Source link

Visited 1 times, 1 visit(s) today

Related Article

UK travellers with pets issued major government update affecting all UK airlines

The update confirms what many pet owners worry about when travelling The update follows a viral petition(Image: Getty Images) Following a viral petition that garnered over 14,000 signatures, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has issued a statement concerning cabin regulations for British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, and TUI flights. According to government

They visited all 12 Disney parks worldwide in 12 days — twice

Brent Hopper and his kids can claim something few Disney fans can. “We did every ride, every park in under 12 days,” he said. Not just at Walt Disney World — but at Disney parks around the world. The Florida father actually attempted it twice with his two oldest kids, Tanner and Peyton, while his then-toddlers stayed home with his wife. The Hoppers didn’t quite make it to every ride on

Government responds to calls to allow pets to travel in the cabin of planes entering UK

When flying with pets, the animals must be placed in the hold More than 14,000 people have signed a petition urging the government to change the rules regarding pets on flights(Image: PA Photo/thinkstockphotos) The Government has issued a statement after thousands signed a petition calling to change the rules on pets travelling on planes. Although

Holiday prices to go up after 296 UK flights cancelled, says air travel boss

Industry leaders have not ruled out fuel shortages this summer Neil Shaw Assistant Editor (Money and Lifestyle) 07:52, 14 May 2026 Flights have already been cancelled Airlines will not be able to continue “absorbing the cost” of disruption caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the long term, according to the director

Hong Kong Space Museum Launches Shenzhou 13

Hong Kong Space Museum to launch new sky show “Shenzhou 13 – Space Travel” The Hong Kong Space Museum will launch a new sky show, “Shenzhou 13 – Space Travel”, at its Space Theatre from tomorrow (May 15). This is China’s first space-filmed full-dome movie, shot by Chinese astronauts Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye

This surprising Asian city is the ultimate stop-off for Aussie travellers

It wasn’t long ago that my understanding of Hong Kong was limited to top-tier bars, glittery hotels and wildly delicious street food. And while those features are all major calling cards (Hong Kong is home to three of the world’s best bars, three of the world’s best hotels and a dining scene that’s consistently regarded

Fly Delta One to Hong Kong (HKG) from 85K SkyMiles … Nationwide!

Delta apparently missed the memo that flights are expensive right now – or that SkyMiles are worthless for flying business class. Because the Atlanta-based airline just dropped one of the best Delta One SkyMiles deals to Southeast Asia we’ve seen in years … or maybe ever.  That’s right: Just 85,000 SkyMiles could get you on

King Charles Told He Put ‘Ratbag’ Trump ‘In His Place’ by Rod Stewart

Singer Rod Stewart told King Charles that he did an “absolutely superb” job during his U.S. state visit because he put “that ratbag in his place” in an apparent reference to President Donald Trump. Charles visited Washington, D.C, at the end of April when he gave a speech to Congress challenging Trump on subjects ranging

Beverly Cheng named new Director, Canada of the Hong Kong Tourism Board

Beverly Cheng has been named the new Director, Canada for the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Cheng, a Toronto native, will be based in Toronto and brings a global perspective shaped by more than a decade living and working in Hong Kong. With a career spanning arts and travel journalism, international hospitality communications, and cultural institution

HK gov’t mulls 10,000 ride-hailing permits under new framework: report

Hong Kong authorities are considering issuing 10,000 ride-hailing permits under a new regulatory framework for on-demand transport services, according to local media. The Uber app. File photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. The Hong Kong Economic Journal (HKEJ) reported on Monday, citing unnamed sources, that the government viewed a cap of 10,000 as a “reasonable starting point,” as

UK imposes travel bans on 85 Russian individuals over forced deportation of Ukrainian children

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has announced a new sanctions package targeting 85 Russian officials and entities involved in the abduction and “Russification” of Ukrainian children. Measures published on 11 May include asset freezes and *UK travel bans*, immediately rendering the named individuals inadmissible at the border and invalidating any existing visas or

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x