THE NEWLY opened Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) office in Taiwan is rolling out a series of promotions to lure Taiwanese travellers to the destination.
“We’ll have advertising, we’ll have tour packages, and in November at Taipei Travel 2011, we’ll be working with 14 to 16 Taiwanese travel agencies,” said HKTB’s marketing and PR manager, Linda Wu, adding that “Hong Kong materials adapted for Taiwan” would be used at the offset.
“HKTB will leverage mega-events to attract (Taiwanese) visitors, such as Hong Kong Halloween Treats in October, the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Month in November, and Hong Kong WinterFest in December,” Wu added.
For the past two decades, HKTB had been represented in Taiwan by Swire International Travel Services, a relationship that ended when HKTB opened its office on September 5.
Likewise, Taiwan ended its third-party representation in Hong Kong through Chung Hwa Travel Service, when the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office set up shop there in July.
Asked to explain the timing of these changes, Wu said it was due to the improving relations between Taiwan, China and Hong Kong.
According to Wu, Taiwan is Hong Kong’s second-largest source market, contributing over two million visitors last year. HKTB hopes to keep arrivals growth at three to five per cent annually.
Meanwhile, another boost for HKTB could come from a change in visa regulations, effective September 1.
Previously, Taiwanese nationals required a visa to stay in Hong Kong. Under new regulations, those with a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents are allowed to visit Hong Kong for seven days, with an extension of up to 30 days, regardless of whether they possess an entry/exit endorsement for the mainland.
By Glenn Smith
