Hong Kong’s Travel Industry Council has partnered with agencies, trade bodies and a mobile operator to promote 14 itineraries for mainland Chinese tourists seeking local in-depth experiences in an attempt to entice more visitors amid a slow recovery in the sector.
Chairwoman Gianna Hsu Wong Mei-lun said on Tuesday that the council had collaborated with the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, the Retail Management Association and China Mobile to launch distinctive tour packages via an online platform for users across the border to travel to the city in groups.
“We encourage travel agencies to launch in-depth experience tour products covering mega-events or special activities,” she said.
“They can collaborate with five member malls of the Retail Management Association and the hotel industry to offer perks or discounts.”
The Hong Kong Tourism Board previously forecast 46 million tourists would visit in 2024, a 35 per cent increase from last year, but only 70 per cent of the 65 million arrivals in 2018.
The city has welcomed 34 million visitors so far this year, equal to the number for all of 2023, but still 12 million shy of the board’s projection.
