Dr Pang said, "Hong Kong is one of Asia's most festive destinations in winter. Becoming effective before the travel peak season of Christmas and Chinese New Year, the new arrangements will help bring back short-haul visitors to experience Hong Kong's seasonal festivity, especially those from Southeast Asia. The HKTB will continue to work closely with trade partners in promoting the diverse and exciting activities and experiences in town to attract inbound visitors to the city."
"We are glad that the announcement of the new travel guidelines has been well received by our Southeast Asian partners and consumers ", says Mr. Raymond Chan, Regional Director, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong Tourism Board. "We will be rolling out more trade and marketing activities in the upcoming months to welcome Southeast Asian group tours to Hong Kong."
Welcoming the First Thailand Incentive Group
Hong Kong welcomed an incentive group of Thailand's top beauty brand IB Skincare from 25 to 28 November. It is the first of a steady stream of overseas incentive groups that the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) anticipates to return to the city following further relaxation of social measures for inbound travel since mid-November.
The group was treated to unique experiences with a "wow" factor, including a specially arranged tour of the brand-new Hong Kong Palace Museum, temple-hopping and an exclusive Christmas tree light-up moment at Hong Kong WinterFest, creating unforgettable memories in Hong Kong for the incentive group members.
Kenneth Wong, General Manager, MICE & Cruise of HKTB, said: "We're delighted to welcome our friends from Thailand to Hong Kong again. This group marked the very first of our line-up of incentive groups from short-haul markets, with even more coming in the future. It indicates encouraging overseas demand for motivational incentive programmes to Hong Kong, especially after the recent implementation of favourable arrangements for inbound tour groups," which refer to the special arrangements for inbound tour group travellers received by licensed travel agents with pre-registered itineraries to enter tourist attractions and dine in designated catering premises that came into effect on 18 November.
He added: "We are very pleased that they enjoyed Hong Kong's very best East-meets-West cultural celebrations, tradition immersion and brand-new attractions."
Temple-hopping Lifts Fortune and Team Spirit
Temple-hopping was a highlight for the group. Spoilt for choice with more than 400 architecturally and culturally exceptional temples in Hong Kong, the group made their pilgrimage to several famous ones, including Hung Hom Kwun Yum Temple, Wong Tai Sin Temple, Che Kung Temple and Man Mo Temple, where they prayed for wealth, good health, business success and good fortune.
"We missed Hong Kong a lot! Hong Kong is full of new excitement, even in the traditional temples across the city. I am impressed with the gold foil pasting on the Holy Deer at Man Mo Temple and thankful for all the warm hospitality and authentic experiences at various temples. Everyone is very welcoming too! There's not just cultural immersion, but also new elements that enhance the overall experience," said Ms. Pamika Laohirun, Manager, Garey Asset.
Exclusive Hong Kong WinterFest Christmas Lighting Sparks Inspirations
The HKTB arranged for the group an exclusive Christmas tree light-up moment at the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD), the city's new flagship art and cultural quarter, as Hong Kong prepares to celebrate the year-end festive season.
"It was incredibly amazing to personally light up the giant Christmas tree against the backdrop of Hong Kong's skyline!" said Ms. Chanyapuk Laohirun, Owner and Director, Garey Asset."I would like to thank the HKTB for their dedicated support. We had a memorable evening at WKCD soaking up the joyous festive atmosphere and visiting the new Hong Kong Palace Museum. It's truly a one-of-a-kind experience immersing in some of the best-ever East-meets-West cultural celebrations in a single trip!"
Wine & Dine Treats Create Lasting Memories
As the group visited during the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, the HKTB not only treated the group to authentic Hong Kong-style roast goose rice and Chinese cuisines, but also arranged for IB Skincare visitors a memorable finale partaking in Hong Kong's cocktail scene with creative cocktails and gourmet snacks.
"The diversity of shopping and sightseeing experiences that we enjoyed in Hong Kong within just a few days was incredible! Hong Kong is easy to get to and move about, making it a go-to destination for any incentive group. What's more, there is always something new for everyone," said Ms. Chanyapuk Laohirun.
Source: MSL Group
