Hong Kong Tourism Board foresees a new tourism landscape after the pandemic
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) recently organised a web conference to provide the latest updates on tourism development and introduce the HKTB’s strategic framework of recovery plan.
HKTB Chairman Dr. YK Pang said that the Covid-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to Hong Kong tourism and put global tourism to a halt. He continued: “The tourism landscape will be reshaped. In the post-pandemic world, we will see a shift in preference and behaviour among travelers – the public health conditions of destinations, and the hygiene standards of transportations, hotels and other tourism facilities will become a top priority; people will prefer short-haul breaks and shorter itineraries; wellness-themed trips will become a new trend. It is in fact an ideal time for us to review and rethink Hong Kong’s position in the global tourism market and elevate service standards. Together with the travel trade, the HKTB is going to map out the long-term development strategy for our tourism industry.”
The web conference was attended by close to 1,500 representatives from travel agencies, attractions, hotels, airlines, the retail and dining industries, as well as Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) and cruise sectors. Representatives from the HKTB’s worldwide offices also participated in the meeting to provide insights into the latest developments in various market regions:
• Mainland Market – The Mainland has gradually resumed economic activities and people have returned to work. – Given the outbreak’s impact on the economy, consumers will become more price-conscious and pursue value-for-money holidays. After prolonged confinement, visitors will also place greater emphasis on health and nature. When choosing destinations for future trips, they will favour those that pose low risks to health. – The Meeting and Incentive market has slowed down as many activities have been postponed or will be held online.
• Short-haul and New Markets – Domestic travel will be the major preference shortly after the pandemic, and outbound travel will resume soon after. – Regional competition will be fiercer than ever, as the tourism authorities and travel trade of various destinations are gearing up for intensive promotions to vie for visitors. – In Japan, Korea and Taiwan, the young and middle-aged segments will be the most eager to travel. Green tourism and the outdoors will be favoured, while short-haul travel will be preferred due to financial and holiday leave constraints.
