Travel News Europe - #75 - July&August 2007 - (Page 14)

I world destination HONG KONG Hong Kong MORE ACCESSIBLE THAN EVER Arrivals for may exceed 2.2 million The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has announced that total visitor arrivals to Hong Kong exceeded 2.2 million in May, a year-on-year increase of 12.6%. The increase took the cumulative total for January to May 2007 to almost 11 million, 6.7% higher than in the first five months of 2006. All market regions registered arrivals increases in May 2007. In particular, long-haul markets continued to perform strongly, with Europe, Africa and the Middle East rising by 15.7% (161,019). Of the March arrivals, 208 594 were from Europe, Africa and the Middle East, standing at 21.8% and making it the best performing long-haul region for that month. Some 60.7% of the visitors stayed in the city for at least one night, while the remaining 39.9% same-day intown visitors either returned home or left for another destination on the same day as arrival. The cumulative January-May total for overnight visitors stands at more than 6.67 million (60.7%) with 4.32 million (39.3%) leaving on the day of arrival. Hotel occupancy across all categories of hotels in May was 81%, one percentage point lower than in May 2006. The geographic location with the highest occupancy in May was Yau Ma Tei/Mong Kok, where hotels recorded a rate of 87%. The average achieved hotel room rate across all hotel categories was HK$1101 (€104.92), 10.9% higher than in May 2006. Average hotel occupancy for January to May stands at 84%, two percentage points lower than in 2006. 14 The average hotel room rate for this period was $1206 (€114.93), 13.1% higher than in the same period of 2006. Guardian & Observer Award reflects growth of arrivals In November 2006 HKTB announced that total visitors numbers for the first nine months had reached a record 18.5 million, a 9.5% increase from that period of the previous year. Reflecting this, it also announced that Hong Kong had recently been voted Favourite Overseas City by the Guardian, Observer & Guardian Unlimited. The awards were based on 15 000 questionnaires submitted by its readers rating travel, destinations, companies and products not only by the number of votes cast but also in terms of quality and service. Hong Kong was the only Asian city to feature in the poll’s top 10. Hong Kong more accessible than ever before This year has seen the introduction of 17 new flights, representing a 28.3% increase in capacity since December 2005, as Hong Kong’s popularity soars. Key developments included the launch of the first-ever low-fare carrier to the Far East – Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, offering one-way travel to Hong Kong from London Gatwick from just £75 (€111.35) plus tax – and the introduction of daily services from London Heathrow by Air New Zealand. HKTB Director – Northern Europe Richard Hume commented: “The Oasis launch is significant because it will undoubtedly widen the market and give a whole new set of consumers the chance to experience June 2007 Hong Kong – and demand is huge. “While Hong Kong is rightly renowned for its famous skyline and world-class shopping and dining, we have been able to demonstrate to the consumer that these are not the only reasons to visit – there is much more to Hong Kong than meets the eye.” Major new attractions like Hong Kong Disneyland and the Ngong Ping 360 Skyrail, together with an increased focus by HKTB on Hong Kong’s natural and cultural aspects, have ensured that the destination continues to evolve and appeal to increasing numbers of travellers. Stopover and multi-centre business is also hugely important to HKTB. In recent years services from London with Qantas and Virgin Atlantic have provided increased access to Melbourne and Sydney via Hong Kong and Air New Zealand’s new service has now put Hong Kong in the spotlight as the prime stopover for New Zealand-bound travellers. According to Mr Hume: “The Air New Zealand services make Hong Kong as great a twin with Auckland as it already is with Sydney, Melbourne and a range of partner destinations across the Far East.” HKTB unveils 2007 Travel Trade Manual ping, dining, heritage, traditional culture, entertainment, and recreation, as well as providing information on hotels, transport and the practicalities of visiting the area. Mr Hume, HKTB Director for North Europe, said: “The Travel Trade manual is designed as the definitive reference tool. It goes beyond the practicalities of what to see and where to stay - it provides an insight into Hong Kong’s historical development, geography and unique ‘East meets West’ culture, giving agents a real depth of information with which to sell Hong Kong” Tour by telephone with Hong Kong’s Mobile Host In November 2006 HKTB announced the launch of an up-dated 160-page Travel Trade Manual providing agents and tour operators with comprehensive information to help in selling Hong Kong. The manual showcases the elements which have made Hong Kong so popular with visitors, such as shop- Also launched in November 2006 was Hong Kong Mobile Host, a revolutionary dial-up audio guide to the city provided direct to visitors mobile phones. The new service, developed in connection with five local mobile phone networks, operates on all GSM handsets. It provides on-the-spot commentary on attractions, shopping news, TRAVEL NEWS EUROPE

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Travel News Europe - #75 - July&August 2007

Cover&Contents
NEWS
- INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS & RESORTS INCREASES ITS ITALIAN PRESENCE
- PAFOS APHRODITE FESTIVAL PRESENTS VERDI’S “IL TROVATORE”
- QATAR AIRWAYS LAUNCHES FLIGHTS TO GENEVA
- BRITISH AIRWAYS FAMILY DEAL
DESTINATIONS
- Japan
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
BUSINESS
- Car Hire
- Exhibitions

Travel News Europe - #75 - July&August 2007