THE Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) recently held its annual Tourism Update event and announced a revival plan that highlights Hong Kong’s vibrant developments and new experiences, aiming to generate a positive ambience and make the city topof-mind destination for worldwide travelers when travel resumes.

With the theme “Together Towards New Horizons,” Tourism Update 2022 attracted 3,200 trade representatives from travel agencies, attractions, hotels, airlines, retailers, restaurants, and meeting and exhibition organizers from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and overseas markets. The HKTB shared insights into the latest tourism trends and its work plan for the coming year.

In his opening remarks, HKTB Chairman Y K Pang highlighted Hong Kong’s return to normality. “The fifth wave of the pandemic is subsiding,” he said. “Hong Kong’s daily life and economic activities are now gradually returning to normal, allowing us to stage large-scale events and prepare to welcome back visitors.

“Throughout the pandemic, Hong Kong never stopped building and upgrading its tourism infrastructure. We will see the grand opening of the Hong Kong Palace Museum this summer, while the third runway at Hong Kong International Airport is expected to go into service within the next couple of years. With these new infrastructure elements and the support of the Central and Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) governments, Hong Kong’s competitive edge has held firm and we can head toward new horizons with confidence.”

In his presentation of the work plan for the coming year, HKTB Executive Director Dane Cheng described how HKTB will focus first on generating a positive ambience in the city, stimulating consumption and maintaining Hong Kong’s profile globally by launching “Hong Kong Summer Treats.”