Despite strong competition from other Asian destinations, Hong Kong has managed to both attract and retain some mega events thanks to its extensive event facilities, and new offers through its Hong Kong Rewards! support programme.
The line-up for this year includes the first-ever Unicity Global Leadership and Innovation Conference 2018 (10,000 pax), Nu Skin Greater China Regional Convention 2018 in June (20,000 pax), 2018 NHT Global Ambassador Academy (6,000 pax), and the 20th Jeunesse Global University (11,600 pax). In total, these mega-sized events will welcome over 45,000 delegates to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Tourism Board’s general manager, MICE and cruise division, Kenneth Wong, told TTGmice: “Both Nu Skin and Jeunesse rotate their events but we managed to retain them this year. We are able to do so because of excellent venues here in Hong Kong, like AsiaWorld-Expo.
“Moreover, we don’t just provide funding support but also work very closely with (the event organiser), such as by offering brand visibility and local experiences such as (tours in) Old Town Central.”
In addition, new offers – such as a complimentary combo meal from Ocean Park Hong Kong and hotel cocktail reception in one of Hong Kong Disneyland’s three hotels – have been added to the 2018/2019 Hong Kong Rewards! programme.
Market-specific perks are also offered. For instance, Thai groups can enjoy the Good Fortune Hong Kong perk which dishes out free fengshui tips and lucky charms to event delegates.
Event organisers also enjoy support from Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong (MEHK) which works closely with appointed event venues and provides assistance throughout the event life cycle, from the bidding stage through to the completion of the event.
In 2017, Hong Kong saw a 1.9 per cent growth in overnight corporate traveller arrivals, while the meeting and incentive segment recorded a double-digit 14.1 per cent growth.
MEHK also expects the direct selling sector and key business events markets such as South Korea and Indonesia to achieve promising growth this year.
