Hong Kong’s natural tourism appeal deserves a new promotional strategy

The era of Hong Kong as a travel destination for mainland tourist to shop for luxury goods or items difficult to obtain in other parts of China is unlikely to return any time soon. High prices and online shopping have changed people’s purchasing patterns and travel behaviour.

Eric Gnock Fah, co-founder and chief operating officer of the travel service platform Klook, recently shared his views on the global travel landscape at an Insight Forum organised by the Our Hong Kong Foundation. He elaborated on how travel has been redefined, moving towards a focus on personal growth and community impact.

We have an endless array of tantalising food options, from traditional and affordable favourites like wonton noodles, pork buns, egg tarts and milk tea to many fine dining options.

These attributes make for a dynamic and alluring destination that caters to the diverse interests and expectations of the modern tourist. But to catch up with other destinations, we must develop new promotional strategies and innovative product offerings.

Sustainable tourism is important to today’s travellers, creating a balanced, symbiotic relationship between tourism, the environment and local communities. The objective is to foster sustainability and provide economic opportunities while preserving natural and cultural resources.

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How Hong Kong lost its neon glow

The private sector and the government must work closely together to align their messaging, develop targeted marketing campaigns and come up with appropriate strategies to attract tourists from mainland China and abroad.

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Mainland Chinese social media Xiaohongshu highlights unlikely tourism spots in Hong Kong

Bernard Chan is a Hong Kong businessman and former Executive Council convenor