Hong Kong Tourism News

[HWK]

I would like to ask that the trend of hong kong hotel occupancy rate for each group from 2002-2010, such as mainland china, Long haul ( UK,US, Australia) ,Short Haul ( Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Philippines). What is their overnight pattern in each type of hotel ( Tariff A, B and Medium).

For example, How many % of Mainland china will stay in Tariff A/Tariff B / Medium Tariff in 2002-2010? How many % of Long Haul/ Short Haul visitors stay in Tariff A/Tariff B / Medium Tariff in 2002-2010? It is beacuse it is hard for us to search these data and we cannot find that from HKTB website.

[hkskyline]

Originally Posted by HWK

I would like to ask that the trend of hong kong hotel occupancy rate for each group from 2002-2010, such as mainland china, Long haul ( UK,US, Australia) ,Short Haul ( Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Philippines). What is their overnight pattern in each type of hotel ( Tariff A, B and Medium).

For example, How many % of Mainland china will stay in Tariff A/Tariff B / Medium Tariff in 2002-2010? How many % of Long Haul/ Short Haul visitors stay in Tariff A/Tariff B / Medium Tariff in 2002-2010? It is beacuse it is hard for us to search these data and we cannot find that from HKTB website.

Try this report : http://partnernet.hktb.com/pnweb/pri...012%202011.pdf

[HWK]

But it doesn't mention How many % of Mainland china will stay in Tariff A/Tariff B / Medium Tariff in 2002-2010? How many % of Long Haul/ Short Haul visitors stay in Tariff A/Tariff B / Medium Tariff in 2002-2010? Only mention the data of visitors arrival.

[hkskyline]

Originally Posted by HWK

But it doesn't mention How many % of Mainland china will stay in Tariff A/Tariff B / Medium Tariff in 2002-2010? How many % of Long Haul/ Short Haul visitors stay in Tariff A/Tariff B / Medium Tariff in 2002-2010? Only mention the data of visitors arrival.

Try searching the other publications on the site : http://partnernet.hktb.com/pnweb/jsp...jsp&charset=en

Not sure if they have exactly the data you need though.

[hkskyline]

Downturn to take bite out of tourist arrivals
The Standard
Thursday, March 01, 2012

Tourism revenues will not be as robust this year as the industry takes a hit from the volatile global economy, the Tourism Board predicts.

Growth is expected to be 6.4 percent compared with 20.5 percent last year.

Visitor arrivals are expected to rise by 5.5 percent to 44 million this year, generating nearly HK$270 billion in tourism receipts.

However, this is a lot less than last year's growth of HK$253 billion from HK$210 billion in 2010, with a 16.5 percent increase in tourist arrivals.

Board chairman James Tien Pei-chun said the slower growth is due to economic uncertainties that weaken the confidence of global consumers, especially those in the United States and Europe.

As a result, many travelers are shifting their preference from long-haul travel to regional or domestic travel.

Increased regional competition is another threat as Asian countries step up their investments in new tourism infrastructure.

Tourism officials said the rising number of direct flights between the mainland and other international destinations has undermined Hong Kong's position as a travel hub.

Tourism Commissioner Philip Yung Wai-hung stressed that infrastructure development will be crucial to maintain the industry's competitive edge.

For example, the government will boost the number of hotels from 184 to more than 240 in 2016.

To pave the way for the new Kai Tak cruise terminal in 2013, strategic partnerships will be formed with cruise lines to promote the territory.

While mainland visitors make up 67 percent of all arrivals, Hong Kong needs to maintain a balanced visitor portfolio to uphold its standing as an international travel destination, said Tourism Board executive director Anthony Lau Chun-hon.

The government will invest 70 percent of its nearly HK$350 million promotional budget in international markets. About HK$31 million will go into selling in emerging markets, including India, Russia and the Middle East.

[hkskyline]

零團費翻生¥0.6遊港澳
2012年04月08日(日)




【本報訊】零團費問題陰魂不散！有內地旅行社在購物網站兜售超低價港澳旅遊券，最低僅六角人民幣，部分則需憑券補加一百至二百元才可來港，惟旅客來港後往往被帶到黑店強迫購物。旅遊業議會證實，近半年收到六至七宗有關旅遊券投訴，已轉交國家旅遊局跟進；立法會議員王國興批評本港監管機構未有做好把關工作，令零團費問題再次翻生。

內地網購平台近期湧現數十款港澳旅遊券，售價由六角至五百多元人民幣不等，並詳列相關行程，例如海洋公園、山頂、黃大仙等本港旅遊景點賣家更指，券面印有防偽標誌及熱線電話，又重申絕不強迫購物，但需收取二百至三百元人民幣作為車費及導遊費。

部分旅遊券印上「港澳旅遊發展局」或「港澳旅遊促進會」為主辦單位，藉此博取旅客信任，不過本港根本沒有上述機構。至於問及價格為何如此低廉，賣家則聲稱是獲得港澳政府及大集團贊助，才能以超低價優惠顧客。

旅議會主席胡兆英稱，已收到六至七宗有關售賣旅遊券的個案，全部來自內地旅客，其中一宗是旅客在內地購買三千元家具後，獲贈同等價值的旅遊券，再補交數百元來港旅遊。另有投訴人購買後不清楚參加哪間旅行社，擔心衍生更多問題，但暫時未有證據顯示有強迫購物，該會將繼續跟進有關個案。

[everywhere]

Cathay Pacific COO says "Lucky to be in Asia" as economy grows
(WCARN.com/Bloomberg.com, May 31)

Ivan Chu, chief operating officer of Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd., comments on China's economic growth and the airline's performance. He spoke in Hong Kong today.

China's industrial production expanded the least since 2009 in April, new yuan loans were the lowest this year and exports growth missed estimates.

On the economy - "The slowdown is in one month. It's very clear that after releasing the figures, the central government is planning to take some actions. Growth in Asia Pacific is still the best in the world. We are lucky to be here in Asia."

On Cathay Pacific - "In Southeast Asia and in Northeast Asia, we are doing well in both passenger and cargo businesses, and have generated growth. The Asian region will be a star in our business. It's not that good in long-haul business, particularly flights to Europe. For cargo, we are hoping there will be meaningful pre-Christmas rush this year. Last year, we didn't have that."

http://en.carnoc.com/cache/news/19/19549.html

[hkskyline]

Hits (and misses) among new attractions in post-97 Hong Kong
AFP
27 June 2012

The tourism industry in Hong Kong has flourished in the 15 years since the city reverted to Chinese control, fuelled by enthusiastic development and a massive influx of visitors from across the border.

While shopping and eating remain the preferred pastimes for the majority of tourists who come to the city -- and there were a record 41.9 million of them in 2011 -- there have been some major attractions added to the scene since 1997.

Here's a look at the ones which have created the biggest noise -- not always for the right reasons, too.

Golden Bauhinia Square & Special Flag Raising Ceremony: This is where it all happened, as on July 1, 1997, Chinese took control of Hong Kong after the British had been in charge since 1842. The "Forever Blooming Bauhinia" Sculpture (or the Golden Bauhinia) was a gift from the Central Government to the people of Hong Kong and has proved a hit with mainland Chinese tourists and tour groups ever since that historic day.

Hong Kong Disneyland: It's small, in terms of theme parks, and questions have long been raised about just how much the Hong Kong government had to put in to lure Mickey Mouse and his mates to town. But the kids love it -- and attendances keep on rising (a record 5.9 million in 2011) since its opening in 2005.

1881 Heritage: What once was the Marine Police headquarters was controversially turned into a high-end hotel and a shopping mall that opened in 2009. And while the merits of the latter have been debated, it's a great place to sit over a cold drink as the sun sets.

Ngong Ping 360: A spectacular way to make your way to the Big Buddha on Lantau island as the cable car climbs high over the mountains. A few operational hiccups seem not to have deterred the thrill-seeking masses since its grand opening in 2006.

Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck: The best view in town since its opening in 2011 -- and it's utterly breathtaking day or night (depending on the pollution). It's situated on the 100th floor of the city's tallest building -- the International Commerce Centre (ICC).

[hkskyline]

Tourism invasion's mixed blessing
The Standard
Friday, June 29, 2012

For years, Hong Kong has courted mainland visitors for economic reasons, and has benefited enormously. But local residents increasingly worry that mainlanders are forcing up the cost of living in the territory.

Many are skeptical about the economic and social rewards of the tourism invasion from the mainland.

The wave of mainland tourists started to sweep into Hong Kong in July 2003, when China introduced the individual travel scheme which eventually allowed 270 million mainland residents from 49 cities to visit here multiple times.

Under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, the scheme initially covered only Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Foshan in Guangdong, until it was broadened in 2007.

The number of mainland tourists coming to Hong Kong under the Individual Visit Scheme has increased from 667,271 in 2003 to four million last year.

Figures from the Hong Kong Tourism Board show that last year the average Chinese tourist spent HK$8,220 per trip, compared with HK$7,147 for a European and Middle Eastern visitor and HK$7,004 for a visitor from the Americas. More than half of the money spent by mainlanders in 2010 was on shopping, about a quarter on food and less than a quarter on accommodation, according to a poll of 1,000 travelers conducted by the Nielsen Company.

Cosmetics ranked the top purchase item, followed by electronics, clothing, jewelry and watches.

Spending by mainlanders has had a big impact on the economy, according to Mark Walton, senior economist at brokerage CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets.

"There is a strong correlation between growth in visitor numbers and growth in retail sales," he said. "Mainlanders are an important driver of retail sales, especially of luxury goods."

Since the beginning of 2008, the workforce employed in the retail sector had grown by 4.8 percent, outpacing overall employment growth, which was four percent.

However, the travel scheme's sustainability is being questioned, especially as it led to 4.3 percent inflation in the territory in May this year.

Tourists have been moving into the New Territories, where they have been shopping for goods including formula milk, disrupting the livelihood of residents.

Average retail rents across Hong Kong have been steadily climbing over the past seven to eight years as fashion and luxury brands bet Chinese shoppers will keep spending.

Average rents on Russell Street in Causeway Bay, the busiest shopping district, are around HK$20,000 per square foot, according to real estate company Jones Lang LaSalle.

Also, mainland mothers-to-be have become a revenue stream, with Chinese children born here automatically receiving the right to permanent residency in the city.

Nearly four in 10 births in Hong Kong last year were to mainland parents before a quota of 3,400 for births by mainlanders was set this year.

Chief executive-designate Leung Chun-ying decided not to expand the individual visit scheme in mid-June.

"The mainland government made the right decision in not expanding the individual visit scheme over the past five years," said Leung.

His remark was made after Shao Qiwei, director of the National Tourism Administration, questioned whether Hong Kong's infrastructure could handle a further jump in tourist numbers.

Walton at CLSA expects growth in mainland tourism numbers to slow.

[hkskyline]

Hotels should check in to booming tourism vision
The Standard
Monday, July 16, 2012

Hong Kong, the land of promise, apart from being the playground for world financiers and real estate tycoons, is also an international tourist destination.

So the need for hotel rooms has been growing rapidly in recent years. With annual visitors reaching 50 million and the overall hotel occupancy rate climbing above 80percent, the existing 184 hotels (61,828 rooms) are no longer able to keep up with demand.

In this light, the government has been encouraging more hotel developers to join in the effort to meet the challenge.

Since 2008, the government has waived the accommodation tax for hotel operators, and pushed out more hotel- use-only land sales.

However, with the visitor growth rate at 10percent annually - accounting for 4percent of GDP and 6percent of the local workforce - there is huge potential for expansion of the tourism industry.

Attractions such as the new retail and commercial projects, Disneyland and Ocean Park expansions, numerous international arts and culture exhibitions, trade fairs and other events at the AsiaWorld-Expo and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre already fill the annual calendar.

With our just and fair legal system, freedom for creativity and international gateway to the mainland, Hong Kong has the opportunity and resources to become the ultimate tourist haven.

Among the existing hotels, we have a wide selection, ranging from Platinum Five Star to smaller local hotels and youth hostels.

As tourists are becoming more versatile, they are willing to try new things - creating a growing market for boutique-style designed hotels.

Hotels that are design-oriented range from traditional to international or technologically focused, from local heritage to industrial buildings cleverly converted.

These enhance the guest experience, by offering more than just accommodation - they also provide a taste of the SAR's vivid history.

The future of tourism development in Hong Kong may lie in hotels becoming destinations themselves, playing a key role in showcasing the city to the rest of the world.

Hong Kong Art Vanguard Association members - architect Nicholas Ho and art historian Stephanie Poon - don't always see eye to eye.

[everywhere]

HK personal trips spend $4.6b on mainland in 2011
(China Daily, July 18)

HONG KONG -- The total expenditure of Hong Kong residents making personal travel to China's mainland amounted to HK$35.6 billion ($4.59 billion) in 2011, said the Census and Statistics Department on Tuesday.

Of all the trips to the mainland, business travel accounted for about 33 percent while personal travel constituted 67 percent, said the C&SD.

more: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/busines...t_15594705.htm

[hkskyline]

Visa-free access to Republic of Kazakhstan for HKSAR passport holders
Monday, July 23, 2012
Government Press Release

The Immigration Department announced today (July 23) that with effect from July 26, 2012, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport holders may visit the Republic of Kazakhstan visa-free for a stay of up to 14 days. Likewise, nationals of the Republic of Kazakhstan will also enjoy 14 days' visa-free access to Hong Kong.

The HKSAR Government and the Republic of Kazakhstan signed the Agreement on Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements in May this year. Confirmation has recently been received from the authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan that they had completed the internal procedures necessary for the Agreement to come into force. In accordance with its terms, the Agreement will come into effect on July 26.

[hkskyline]

January 10, 2012
Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Ranking

Euromonitor International is pleased to release its latest Top City Destinations Ranking, covering 100 of the world's leading and most dynamic cities in terms of international tourist arrivals. After recording a decline in 2009, international arrivals to countries regained growth in 2010, positively impacting results for the top 100 cities, which saw arrivals increase by 7%. Star performers in 2010 were emerging city destinations located in Asia Pacific, thanks to a strong economic environment and growing travel and tourism dynamism. Most European cities lagged behind as a result of the weak economic prospects in the Eurozone, which impacted intra-regional travel.

Top three destinations

In 2010, Hong Kong, Singapore and London were the most popular city destinations worldwide. Hong Kong topped the ranking with almost 20 million arrivals in 2010 and an outstanding 18% increase compared to 2009. The booming economy of Hong Kong coupled with its growing appeal as a travel and tourism destination is drawing more business and leisure travellers each year. In 2010, mainland China remained the largest source market for Hong Kong, accounting for approximately 60% of arrivals.

Singapore was the second most visited city, attracting 18 million tourists in 2010 – 16% more than in 2009. The Singapore Tourism Board launched a 3-pronged approach – Innovation, Integration and Productivity – in 2010 that focused on luxury travel as well as the further consolidation of MICE, travel accommodation and tourist attractions throughout the city. The opening of new tourist attractions like the Marina Sands Resort Sky Deck, new casinos operated by the Las Vegas Sands Corp and by Malaysian-owned Resorts World Sentosa, new shopping centres like the Orchard Central, the Universal Studios Singapore and the Helix Bridge helped bring international visitors to the city.

London closely followed Hong Kong and Singapore in third position, with 15 million arrivals in 2010. London is by far the most popular city in Europe, benefiting from a wide mix of entertainment options, including historical sites, art galleries and restaurants, which make it highly appealing for all kind of visitors. Nevertheless, the city is under pressure, having recorded sluggish 3% growth in 2010 in the face of increased competition from other destinations like Hong Kong and New York City.
Top City Destinations Ranking 2010

City Ranking Arrivals
'000 2010 % volume growth
2009/2010
Hong Kong 1 19,973 18.0
Singapore 2 18,297 16.0
London* 3 14,706 3.5
Macau 4 13,098 25.9
Bangkok 5 10,984 10.0
Antalya 6 10,641 20.0
Kuala Lumpur 7 10,351 10.0
New York City 8 8,961 4.2
Paris 9 8,176 5.5
Istanbul 10 8,124 7.7
Dubai 11 7,752 -0.4
Mecca 12 6,122 -12.4
Miami 13 6,003 5.6
Rome 14 5,620 1.4
Shanghai 15 5,397 22.9
Barcelona 16 5,160 15.6
Las Vegas 17 5,130 0.8
Cairo 18 4,998 3.5
Beijing 19 4,901 18.8
Los Angeles 20 4,550 1.1
Pattaya 21 4,430 4.0
Amsterdam 22 4,021 9.0
Tokyo 23 3,817 28.0
Prague 24 3,758 2.5
Moscow 25 3,740 1.4
Phuket 26 3,612 7.5
Dublin 27 3,587 -15.0
Punta Cana 28 3,521 3.1
Vienna 29 3,520 4.7
Madrid 30 3,402 1.1
Kiev 31 3,343 -5.4
Orlando 32 3,277 0.4
Taipei 33 3,224 11.4
Mugla 34 3,211 9.0
San Francisco 35 2,929 6.3
Edirne 36 2,912 9.7
Toronto 37 2,879 6.2
Berlin 38 2,872 2.6
Seoul 39 2,809 14.2
Chennai 40 2,785 18.0
Guangzhou 41 2,687 16.2
Sydney 42 2,610 0.3
Budapest 43 2,606 -3.9
Denpasar 44 2,600 6.1
Sharm el Sheikh 45 2,558 10.0
Buenos Aires 46 2,509 13.6
St Petersburg 47 2,500 7.8
Warsaw 48 2,450 5.6
Damascus 49 2,436 7.2
Ho Chi Minh 50 2,435 28.4
Cancún 51 2,434 3.8
Delhi 52 2,350 20.0
Brussels 53 2,235 -1.6
Mumbai 54 2,195 10.0
Bucharest 55 2,136 5.4
Aleppo 56 2,116 7.2
Munich 57 2,053 -1.3
Marrakech 58 2,028 6.1
Mexico City 59 2,028 3.8
Jakarta 60 2,000 6.4
Vancouver 61 1,951 0.0
Auckland 62 1,950 3.6
Rio de Janeiro 63 1,929 7.0
Lima 64 1,925 5.1
Milan 65 1,910 0.8
Seattle 66 1,893 -0.3
Lisbon 67 1,881 4.7
East Province 68 1,877 -11.2
São Paulo 69 1,825 4.5
Agra 70 1,813 18.5
Jaipur 71 1,777 18.5
Johannesburg 72 1,771 6.0
Chiang Mai 73 1,769 5.0
Shenzhen 74 1,749 19.5
Christchurch 75 1,744 1.3
Hangzhou 76 1,744 10.9
Athens 77 1,733 -7.0
Venice 78 1,695 1.7
Florence 79 1,690 0.3
Honolulu 80 1,666 5.1
Abu Dhabi 81 1,624 12.8
Halong 82 1,581 28.0
Washington DC 83 1,569 22.4
Burgas 84 1,535 -1.8
Riyadh 85 1,512 -12.1
Varna 86 1,501 -0.2
Cape Town 87 1,486 4.9
Melbourne 88 1,466 3.8
Hurghada 89 1,459 10.0
Edinburgh 90 1,404 6.0
Minsk 91 1,398 9.0
Suzhou 92 1,379 18.8
Zurich 93 1,378 23.1
Sharjah 94 1,335 3.4
Kolkatta 95 1,313 12.0
Algiers 96 1,312 5.8
Chicago 97 1,300 9.8
Krabi 98 1,291 5.5
Queenstown 99 1,265 3.5
Manila 100 1,250 25.6

Source: Euromonitor International

More : http://blog.euromonitor.com/2012/01/...ranking1-.html

[markuk]

Really best information given by you about Hong Kong.

[hkskyline]

Rethink visas scheme, urges Ip
The Standard
Monday, February 04, 2013

The mainland's Individual Visit Scheme to Hong Kong should be reviewed as it has overstretched the SAR's capacity, Executive Council member and former secretary for security Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee said.

The comments from Ip, who is also a New People's Party legislator, came amid mounting calls for the government to cut the multi-entry visit permits given to Shenzhen residents, which started in 2009, and the Individual Visit Scheme started in 2003.

Ip told ATV's Newsline program there are "real risks for Hong Kong if we overstretch our capacity" when accepting increasing numbers of mainland tourists. "The conflict, the friction between Hongkongers and mainlanders could escalate because we are fighting for resources," she said.

Hong Kong-mainland economic integration has led to two problems: a scramble for resources and its effects on Hong Kong's long-term competitiveness.

Earlier at RTHK's City Forum, Ip said: "As it has been in place for 10 years, the [individual visit] policy needs to be reviewed but it should not be stopped in one go."

Ip's view was echoed by Democratic Party lawmaker James To Kun-sun and North District councillor Edward Lau Kwok-fun of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong.

To said it is time to review the scheme to attract visitors who will accelerate the positive effects to Hong Kong, adding that giving one permit to tourists each day is "more negative than positive."

"Since there is frequent trading between Hong Kong and China, we may start with giving two or three permits each day to a tourist, then evaluate Hong Kong's capability of reception under the new measure."

Tourism Board chairman and Liberal Party lawmaker James Tien Pei-chun said individual travelers may not necessarily be parallel traders. As many traders are from Shenzhen, Tien suggested restricting to travelers to one trip each day.

Lau blamed the government for not having a review, adding that North District has been affected in resources and primary school places.

"But we can't fully oppose the Individual Visit Scheme for its economic effectiveness, so we hope the government will review the scheme completely," Lau said.