The Hong Kong Tourism Board says it welcomes further liberalization of the aviation market between Hong Kong and the Mainland, and the breakthrough in air services arrangements between Hong Kong and India at the end of 2007.

The Hon James Tien, GBS, JP, chairman of the HKTB, said that the new aviation development would further strengthen Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub and the gateway to Mainland China as well as encouraging travel trade to offer multi-destination itineraries that include Hong Kong.

"The further liberalized aviation market between Hong Kong and the Mainland will definitely strengthen the air services between two sides. It not only facilitates Mainland visitors to visit Hong Kong direct, but also help us develop high-growth cities such as Kunming, Dalian and Chengdu. The HKTB will deploy more marketing resources in these cities in order to expand our sources of mainland visitors," Tien remarked.

Over the past six years, arrivals to Hong Kong from India have increased by more than 70%. In the first 11 months of 2007, Hong Kong welcomed more than 292,000 visitors from India. In 2006, spending by Indian visitors in Hong Kong averaged HK$5,202, the highest among visitors from the South and Southeast Asia region. Almost 70% of visitors from India to Hong Kong also went to other destinations such as Mainland China. Among all vacation travelers from India, more than 45% are family visitors.

"India has been identified by the HKTB as an emerging market since 2003," Tien added. "Riding on this new opportunity, we will work more closely with our trade partners to offer more tourism products about Hong Kong, and deploy more marketing resources to enhance Hong Kong's exposure stimulating local consumers' interest in visiting our city."

 Loading ...

Leave A Comment: