HONG KONG has been seeing increased interest in its ecotourism offerings since it started promoting green outdoor activities two years ago, with teambuilding and incentive groups especially keen to take advantage of the sector’s diversity.
Hong Kong Tourism Board’s (HKTB) general manager, MICE and Cruise, Gilly Wong, said the sector had been receiving “much more bookings and enquiries compared to when (it) first started”, with the bulk of interest coming from longhaul source markets like Japan and South Korea.
“When most people think of Hong Kong, they tend to think of luxury, shopping and the city,” she said. “We want to highlight that the green side of Hong Kong is complimentary to these other offerings.”
Wong said that aside from team hiking activities and boat trips, there are also nature excursions to Hong Kong National Geopark and Lantau Island for those who want to take a break from the city life.
Over 50 per cent of Lantau Island consists of national parks, including a large number of well-marked hiking trails. There is also a marine park north of the island, which has been designated to protect Chinese White Dolphins, often called pink dolphins.
Meanwhile, Wong said HKTB would soon be embarking on an advertising blitz via print and online channels to highlight MICE activities and offerings in Hong Kong. According to Wong, the campaign will revolve around four topics: themed attractions, wine and dine, MICE cruise charters and Lantau Island.
