HONG KONG’S NTO and travel trade are putting together new incentives and programmes as they intensify promotional efforts to bag more MICE from Indonesia.
Simon Wong, regional director-South-east Asia, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said: “MICE arrivals from South-east Asia have been growing at a 10.1 per cent compound annual growth rate from 2008 to 2012. Between January to March 2013, arrivals increased by 8.1 per cent year-on-year to 54,961 overnight visitors.
“Among South-east Asian markets, Indonesia is a key growth driver, recording double-digit year-on-year growth in 2011 and 2012.”
He shared that HKTB would participate in more tradeshows within the region, introduce more attractions and products, and incentivise travel consultants to bring in more MICE groups.
The NTO recently rolled out the Top Agent Award Programme in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand to reward MICE consultants who promote Hong Kong. Running from June 2013 to January 2014, the scheme will distribute HK$400,000 (US$51,577) in prizes to the top performing consultants from each country according to three different categories – Top Number of Passengers, Top Number of Groups, Most Creative Itinerary – at the end of the programme.
Winners will also receive coop funding for marketing Hong Kong and a full-board trip to Hong Kong for the Global Awards Dinner in 2014.
Likewise, Hong Kong’s attractions and hotels are also swooping in on the increasingly important Indonesia market.
Ngong Ping 360’s manager for sales and distribution, Angela Sue, said the attraction had collaborated with consultants to further raise its profile for Indonesian visitors, and secured a tenant to provide halal food.
Meanwhile, Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong is hoping for a double-digit increase in Indonesian guests this year. Director of communications, Patsy Chan, said business from Indonesia’s MICE sector was “picking up” and that the hotel would participate in industry tradeshows, host fam trips and work with HKTB and sister property Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta for promotion opportunities.
“To take care of Muslim dietary requirements, we have a Malaysian chef prepare halal food with advanced notification, and we also get food directly from qualified suppliers,” Chan added.
