Thursday, March 20, 2025
On February 20, 2025, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), in collaboration with Exhibition Group and Plaza Premium Group, hosted the PATA Power of Networking and Luncheon 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The event convened over 20 prominent travel and tourism leaders from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA), including representatives from the Tourism Commission, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Macao Government Tourism Office, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Shangri-La Group, Trip.com, and the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Presentation of the Tourism Development Blueprint
A focal point of the event was the keynote address by Ms. Angelina Cheung, JP, Commissioner for Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. Ms. Cheung introduced the “Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0,” a strategic initiative aimed at reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a premier global tourism destination. The blueprint emphasizes the integration of tourism with culture, sports, ecology, and major events, leveraging Hong Kong’s unique resources to offer diverse and enriching experiences to visitors.
Strategic Focus Areas
The blueprint outlines four key positioning strategies for Hong Kong’s tourism industry:
- International Tourism Hub: Enhance Hong Kong’s role as a central node in multi-destination tourism, attracting visitors from around the world.
- Cultural Exchange Center: Highlight Hong Kong’s unique blend of Eastern and Western cultural influences, promoting it as a vibrant center for international cultural exchange.
- Quality Tourism Destination: Offer high-quality travel experiences that cater to diverse visitor interests and preferences.
- Sustainable Tourism Model: Implement practices that prioritize sustainability, ensuring the long-term health and resilience of the tourism sector.
These strategies are supported by 133 specific measures designed to develop distinctive tourism products, diversify visitor markets, promote smart tourism, and enhance service quality.
Industry Perspectives
Mr. Soon-Hwa Wong, PATA Ambassador for Greater China, emphasized the importance of the event as a platform for industry leaders to connect and collaborate, driving the future of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region. He noted Hong Kong’s strategic position as a global tourism hub and PATA’s commitment to fostering public-private partnerships to ensure the sector’s growth and resilience.
Stephen SY Wong, Partner at Exhibition Group, highlighted the collaborative spirit essential for advancing Hong Kong’s tourism industry. He expressed appreciation for Ms. Cheung’s insights into the tourism blueprint and acknowledged PATA’s role in bringing together industry professionals for valuable networking opportunities.
Linda Song, Executive Director at Plaza Premium Group, reaffirmed the group’s dedication to nurturing partnerships that propel the travel industry forward. Reflecting on Plaza Premium Group’s 26-year journey in Hong Kong, she expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the city’s growth as a premier tourism destination.
Conclusion
The PATA Power of Networking and Luncheon 2025 served as a pivotal event for Hong Kong’s tourism sector, providing a platform for industry leaders to discuss and strategize the future of tourism in the region. The introduction of the “Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0” marks a significant step toward a sustainable and vibrant tourism landscape, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a world-class destination for travelers worldwide.
