April visitor arrivals reach 2.4 million
Visitor arrivals in April reached 2,419,911 in April, an 11.2% year-on-year increase, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). This brings cumulative arrivals for the first four months of 2008 to 9,695,432, or 10.3% ahead of the same period last year.
Mainland China was the best performing of all long- and short-haul market regions, with arrivals up 19.8% to reach 1,305,002. Positive growth was also recorded in other market regions, except Taiwan, which together took up 46.1% of the total monthly arrivals. Arrivals from other market regions were:
- North Asia: 163,433 (+7.3%)
- Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific: 69,874 (+6.6%)
- South & Southeast Asia: 252,371 (+4.2%)
- The Americas: 170,594 (+2.6%)
- Europe, Africa & the Middle East: 225,152 (+1.6%)
- Taiwan: 189,671 (-1%)
Among various individual source markets, double-digit growth was recorded in the high-potential market of South Korea (+17.9%) and in the emerging market of Russia (+11.1%).
Of the total Mainland arrivals, 51.5% arrived under the Individual Visit Scheme, a 26.6% year-on-year increase. Cumulatively, there were 3,042,003 arrivals under the Individual Visit Scheme in the first four months of 2008, or a 14.7% year-on-year increase.
Approximately 56.4% of all visitors to Hong Kong in April stayed in the city for at least one night, 2.6% less than the same month last year. The remaining 43.6% same-day, in-town visitors either returned home or left for another destination on the same day as arrival.
Hotel occupancy across all categories of hotels in April was 85%, 3% higher than in April 2007. The average achieved hotel room rate across all hotel categories was US$182.56, or 1% higher year-on-year.
Summer promotion to feature many events
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) recently announced details of its 2008 summer promotion. “Hong Kong Summer Temptations” will run from July 1 to September 21, and will showcase the territory’s appeal from a different angle. With a variety of events, visitors can explore endless fun and excitement that go beyond shopping and dining in Hong Kong this summer.
HKTB Chairman James Tien said that over the past few years, the HKTB has successfully branded Hong Kong as a summer shopping destination. “Building on this platform, we aim to give the promotion a new twist this year and showcase Hong Kong's summer experience in a different light,” he remarked. “By encouraging visitors to explore the city’s tourist attractions and participate in the special events and entertainment activities held in shopping centers and dining districts citywide, we hope that visitors — especially the young and family segments — will experience a fun-filled and fabulous summer in Hong Kong.”
To encourage visitors to explore the attractions and museums in Hong Kong, the HKTB will launch its first “Explore Hong Kong Stamp Rally.” Participants will be invited to explore 18 designated attractions and locations and collect corresponding stamps. Those with three stamps on their Stamp Rally Pass can redeem them for a gift from Wing Wah Cake Shop.
MTR Corp. will help promote “Summer Temptations” along its extensive transportation network. Upon purchase of any MTR tourist product, visitors can get a free guide featuring tips for exploring Hong Kong using the MTR. The guidebook will also include dozens of retail and dining offers featuring free gifts, buy-1-get-1-free and cash discounts.
Another anchor program will be the “Visa ‘Million Dollar’ Lucky Draw.” By actively promoting this program, the HKTB hopes visitors and residents will have further incentive to spend money during the summer. For every HK$500 or US$64.10 spent in Hong Kong during the event period, registered Visa card-users will be eligible for a raffle entry. With unlimited entries allowed, the lucky draw offers prizes totaling US$153,846.1 in value. Visitors can register at [www.visa.com.hk].
To further heat up the ambience during the Olympic Equestrian Events July 25 to August 24, the HKTB will set up a Hong Kong Olympic Piazza at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, where visitors can watch the broadcast of the Beijing Olympic events. There also will be exhibition panels on the Olympics, Games updates, as well as travel consultation services on site. In addition, the HKTB has put up the Olympic Rings on the harborfront exterior of the Hong Kong Museum of Art from May 1 until December 31, to reinforce Hong Kong’s image as an Olympic co-host city.
Across the territory, 12 shopping malls and department stores and nine food districts have already signaled their participation in “Summer Temptations.” As well as presenting a host of offers and privileges, some will organize special activities, such as entertainment shows and Olympic-themed exhibitions, further enriching visitors’ experiences. On top of the retail and dining sectors, more than 50 hotels will extend special three-day, two-night room packages and complimentary offers, while local travel agents will introduce tours to outlying islands and Victoria Harbor.
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