Samuel Wong, owner of Jetway Express, has passed away on October 1, 2020.
A respected figure in inbound travel, Wong started his travel career in 1966 and established his own travel agency in 1976.
Wong was passionate about the tourism business, and did his best for clients and business partners alike
Loved by his staff, most of Jetway Express employees have remained with the company for a long time. One key management staff, who has been with the company since the beginning, recalled: “Mr Wong loved horse-racing and working. He insisted on coming to the office 10 days before his passing. (The pandemic) is harsh for him and us, but his family and existing team members will carry on his business.”
The staff added: “He will be sadly missed. Our overseas partners mused that a tradeshow without Samuel’s presence is not a show.”
Andy So, area general manager of pentahotel Hong Kong, Kowloon, recalled meeting Wong for the first time 30 years ago, when he was a group coordinator for Hilton Hong Kong. “Samuel always fought for super-value deals for his clients but also treasured long-term business partnership. He was one of the most hard-working agency bosses I knew, because of his active participation in various tradeshows like ITB Berlin, where he would erect his own booth and chat with clients and friends every year,” said So.
Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents (HATA), vice-chairman, Richard Willis, said: “It’s sad and a loss to the industry. Samuel was an entrepreneur and actively set his feet on various local and international travel marts, events and fam tours organised by HATA, NTOs like Hong Kong Tourism Board and Macau Government Tourism Office.”
Wong is survived by wife, son, daughter and two grandchildren.
Samuel Wong, owner of Jetway Express, has passed away on October 1, 2020.
A respected figure in inbound travel, Wong started his travel career in 1966 and established his own travel agency in 1976.
Loved by his staff, most of Jetway Express employees have remained with the company for a long time. One key management staff, who has been with the company since the beginning, recalled: “Mr Wong loved horse-racing and working. He insisted on coming to the office 10 days before his passing. (The pandemic) is harsh for him and us, but his family and existing team members will carry on his business.”
The staff added: “He will be sadly missed. Our overseas partners mused that a tradeshow without Samuel’s presence is not a show.”
Andy So, area general manager of pentahotel Hong Kong, Kowloon, recalled meeting Wong for the first time 30 years ago, when he was a group coordinator for Hilton Hong Kong. “Samuel always fought for super-value deals for his clients but also treasured long-term business partnership. He was one of the most hard-working agency bosses I knew, because of his active participation in various tradeshows like ITB Berlin, where he would erect his own booth and chat with clients and friends every year,” said So.
Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents (HATA), vice-chairman, Richard Willis, said: “It’s sad and a loss to the industry. Samuel was an entrepreneur and actively set his feet on various local and international travel marts, events and fam tours organised by HATA, NTOs like Hong Kong Tourism Board and Macau Government Tourism Office.”
Wong is survived by wife, son, daughter and two grandchildren.