Visitor arrivals drop 3.4% in first half of 2009

Visitor arrivals to Hong Kong reached 13,696,779 in the first six months of 2009, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). This represents a 3.4% decrease compared to the same period last year.

HKTB Chairman James Tien said Hong Kong managed to achieve growth of 1.5% in overall arrivals in the first four months of this year, with mainland China registering an increase of more than 10%. The positive trend was, however, reversed in May and June, following the outbreak of human swine flu, leading to decline of arrivals from both long- and short-haul regions by more than 10% to 20% in those two months.

In view of the current market sentiments, the decline will likely continue into July and August. 

Among various regional source markets, the Mainland achieved positive growth of 4.6% to 8.26 million arrivals in the first six months of 2009.  Overall, arrivals from the short-haul regions decreased by a marginal 1.3%, with North Asia showing a 25.4% decline, as outbound travel in both Japan and South Korea was affected by the weak economy, and further hurt by the human swine flu. Arrivals from Taiwan also dropped by 13.1%, as the impact of cross-strait direct links became more and more apparent.  

Demand for travel from long-haul regions remained weak amid the economic downturn resulting in a 14% dip in arrivals.  Visitor arrivals from different market regions in the first half of 2009 and in June 2009 are summarized below:

* Figures include arrivals from Macau SAR

From January to June 2009, close to 7.82 million or 57.1% of total arrivals stayed in the city for at least one night, compared with 58.2% in the same period last year. The remaining 5.88 million (42.9%) were classified as same-day in-town visitors.

Hotel occupancy, during the six-month period, across all categories of hotel was 74%, compared with 83% in the same period last year. The average achieved hotel room rate across all hotel categories was US$131.53, down 17.1% year-on-year.

Hong Kong to serve up food and wine events

Learn more about the Hong Kong Food and Wine Year Spotlight Events at the event's Web site.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will stage the 10-day Hong Kong Food and Wine Year Spotlight Events from October 30 to November 8, bringing the excitement of the Hong Kong Food and Wine Year promotions to new heights.

The 10-day celebration will present Hong Kong’s delectable gastronomic experience to visitors and local residents.  Featuring fine wine, food and entertainment, the events will comprise four key elements: the first-ever large-scale outdoor wine and dine event in Hong Kong, street carnivals organized by major food districts, a sparkling array of activities put together by the catering and tourism sectors, and a series of dining and drinking offers. 

The Spotlight Events will coincide with the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Fair organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), further manifesting Hong Kong’s strengths as a ”Gourmet Paradise”.

Executive Director of the HKTB Anthony Lau said the HKTB will embark on a series of promotions in various source markets to publicize the Hong Kong Food and Wine Year Spotlight Events, the anchor activities of the Hong Kong Food and Wine Year.

Overseas trade partners and international media will be invited to experience first-hand the excitement of the spectacular events. The HKTB also will collaborate with travel trade partners on a series of package tours and itineraries themed on the Spotlight Events to pamper visitors’ taste buds.

“We are very grateful to the tourism and catering partners, as well as the participating wine merchants, for their wonderful support and collaboration to enrich the activities and appeal of the 10-day Spotlight Events,” said Mr. Lau. “Through these events, we hope to generate a business platform for the industry, stimulate the spending of visitors and enhance their experience of Hong Kong.”

To kick off the Hong Kong Food and Wine Year Spotlight Events, the HKTB will stage the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival–Hong Kong’s first large-scale outdoor fine wine and gourmet event at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade between October 30 and November 1, during which visitors and residents can indulge themselves in the perfect pairing of wine and food, as well as enchanting music, against the beautiful backdrop of Victoria Harbour. 

Approximately 140 booths will be set up at the venue to showcase the finest brews from different origins, local award winning specialities and classic gourmet. The booths will provide visitors with tips on pairing fine wine and food.

Participants can also join on-site wine appreciation classes presented by professional sommeliers.  The HKTB also will present various forms of entertainment, including different live music performances, dance performance and multi-media light and music shows. Art installations also will be displayed at the venue, which will provide an excellent backdrop for photo taking by visitors and residents.

To tie in with the Hong Kong Food and Wine Year Spotlight Events, distinctive street carnivals will take place at two renowned food districts in Central, namely Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo November 6-8, allowing visitors and residents to enjoy two unique experiences in the same district simultaneously. The Lan Kwai Fong Carnival 2009, to be held at Lan Kwai Fong in Central, will evolve around the theme of South American passion; while the SoHo Wine & Dine Carnival, first held at SoHo Food District, will take the theme of “Village on the Hill” centered upon fine wine, delicacies and fine music. The two carnivals will altogether feature around 110 booths to primarily provide wine, food and interactive games. A series of live art performance and entertainment also will take place.

An array of activities presented by other local food districts, as well as catering and tourism sectors, will also be available throughout the 10-day Hong Kong Food and Wine Year Spotlight Events, offering visitors endless sensational experiences. These include Sai Kung Seafood Festival, the Hong Kong International Wine Exhibition by HKTDC, and such tourism products as Celebrity Gourmet Tours, Wine Cellar Tour and “Taste Hong Kong Pass.”

In addition, various forms of privileges will be extended by a number of hotels and restaurants at major tourist districts during the Hong Kong Food and Wine Year Spotlight Events, including free corkage service, buy-one, get-one free, complimentary dishes or beverages, and special discount menus, which are designed to stimulate greater spending by visitors and encourage them to explore the diverse culinary and wine experiences of Hong Kong.