The Hong Kong Tourist Association has launched a programme offering UK visitors discounts on shopping, tours, dining and nightlife in the hope of bringing visitor numbers back up to pre-handover levels.
The HKTA’s director for Northern Europe, Don McDougall, said UK visitor numbers during the first quarter of this year were down on the same period of 1998, but he said this was due to the fact that operators discounted programmes heavily last year.
“Last year’s discounting during the first three months attracted a huge market. This year there are not the same offers around and so business during the first quarter was slightly down, but from April onwards we are expecting growth,” said McDougall.
The Discover Hong Kong programme offers visitors typical discounts of 25%-30% off shopping, eating and entertainment at establishments owned by members of the HKTA.
Privilege cards will be sent to operators to pass on to their clients so they will be able to take advantage of the discounts when they arrive in Hong Kong. Privilege cards will also be sent to travel agents on request.