THE Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents (HATA) has bulked up the size and scope of its cruise mart this year, incorporating a travel and tourism segment.
To be held on August 15 in the Gordon Wu Hall at BP International Hotel, the HATA Travel & Cruise Mart 2013 will bring together 250 HATA member buyers and 44 exhibitors including cruise lines, airlines, NTOs, DMCs, hotels, attractions, etc, showcasing over 60 products and five more cruise-related products than last year.
The mart also welcomes members from other trade associations – such as the International Chinese Tourist Association – and tourism students.
Richard Willis, chairman, HATA membership committee, said: “We take the view that small- and medium-sized marts like the HATA one will be a good and effective platform, providing the opportunity for regular product updates (in our case, allow the trade to plan for the winter season) and to enhance product knowledge, and perhaps offer a more cozy and cordial environment to network between buyers and sellers.”
He said the event took six to seven weeks to put together, and HATA was able to expand the scope of the mart because they had found “a bigger and affordable venue… which can accommodate up to 66 table tops”.
“HATA would like to progressively expand to grow the mart to offer members a much wider choice of products. When it comes to cruise tourism, there is also a need for ancillary products and services such as airlines, hotels, DMCs, attractions etc,” he explained.
Admission to the mart is free and, in a bid to boost participation, HATA has 100 complimentary tickets to a dinner cruise that same evening to be given out to buyers who visit 30 exhibitors at the mart.
