There’s something both sophisticated and calming about afternoon tea, but when it’s a dim sum afternoon tea, well, that adds a touch of artistry and takes things to a whole new level.
So, what better way for the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) to introduce its new Canadian Director, Beverly Cheng, to some travel trade VIPs in Toronto yesterday.
The HKTB’s Senior Manager of Marketing & PR, Jorge Lee welcomed about a dozen guests to Lai Wah Heen at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in downtown Toronto, explaining that the iconic restaurant has deep roots in Hong Kong and, here in Toronto, has built a reputation for both its authentic atmosphere and fine, gourmet Cantonese dining and was the perfect venue to celebrate the HKTB’s partnerships and friendships and to give those partners and friends a chance to meet Cheng.
Along with having worked and lived in Hong Kong for over a decade, Lee told the gathering that Cheng is “passionate about telling Hong Kong’s story.”
Describing her new posting as “a deeply meaningful role,” Cheng, a Toronto native who has both lived and worked in Hong Kong for over a decade, told her group that the Canadian market has been performing well for Hong Kong.
In 2025, the HKTB’s new director said that Hong Kong welcomed 360,000 Canadian visitors – an increase of 13%.
In fact, by all accounts, the Canadian market is continuing to perform strongly in 2026 and is now Hong Kong’s 13th largest visitor source market.
Cheng observed that Canadians travel for many different reasons – culinary, arts, culture, adventure and more.
And when it comes to culinary, she pointed to Hong Kong’s more than 70 Michelin-starred restaurants and the upcoming Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival in the fall – which will feature a number of Canadian wineries – as but two examples of what visitors can expect from the destination’s culinary scene.
Hong Kong has also become a top destination for international events, with a wide variety of them set for 2026. And, of course, the celebration of Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is always something special.
Cheng pointed out, as well, visitors will find the Hong Kong an easy place to get round in, and added that Hong Kong is within four hours of many major Asian hubs for those visitors that want to expand their journeys beyond Hong Kong.
As for her new role, Cheng will be focused on strengthening partnerships and delivering compelling campaigns to inspire Canadians to experience Hong Kong through stories and moments that can only be found in the city.
Stay tuned, there’s always more to come from the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
In the photo
Seen here, from l to r, are the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Jorge Lee; it’s new Director, Beverly Cheng; Yuen Kan Wong; and Carol Lam.
