The International Travel Expo (ITE) Hong Kong 2024, scheduled from June 13th to 16th, aims to bring together international exhibitors to promote their most popular and attractive destinations. This year’s fair has the theme “Forward to Full Recovery” and is crucial for revitalizing the tourism industry, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Opening Ceremony Highlights:
During the opening ceremony, Honorable Ms. Joanne Chu Shui Man, the Acting Commissioner for Tourism, Tourism Commission, Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government, welcomed dignitaries, diplomatic mission heads, and participating companies, commending their enthusiastic participation and efforts in making the event a success.
Ms. Chu emphasized the considerable effect of the pandemic on Hong Kong’s tourism industry. The sector’s GDP contribution dropped to 0.1 percent, and employment decreased to around 22,500 jobs. She mentioned a hopeful improvement, as the number of visitors increased to approximately 9.5 million by the end of May 2023, compared to only 0.6 million in the entire year of 2022.
Promoting Nepal as a Premier Destination:
The Nepal Consulate Office in Hong Kong actively participated in the fair, with Consul Satish Gurung representing Consul General Uday Rana Magar. Consul General Magar warmly welcomed all attendees and reaffirmed his dedication to promoting Nepal as a top tourist destination, pledging efforts to attract more international visitors to Nepal’s distinctive attractions.
Distinguished Participants and Attendees:
The event was graced by distinguished individuals including Mr. Zhang Dong from the Asia Tourism Exchange Center, Ms. Becky Ip from the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mrs. Gianna Hsu from the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, Ms. Serena Moon from the Korea Tourism Organization Hong Kong Office, Mr. Stanley Mok from Macao Government Tourism Office – HK Representative, and Ms. Phornmon Chansri from Tourism Authority of Thailand, Hong Kong. The event also brought together travel trade companies, tourism experts, and travelers, offering an opportunity to stay informed about market trends, uncover new destinations, and experience travel innovations.
Strategic Importance of ITE 2024:
The ITE 2024 intends to enhance connections between Nepal, Hong Kong SAR, and more than 60 involved nations. It provides a strong foundation for teamwork, harmony, and progress in the tourism sector, fostering trade between these allied countries. The objective of the gathering is to re-establish links between the Nepalese travel industry and Hong Kong, devise marketing strategies, and adjust to new trends to cater to the needs of evolving Hong Kong visitors.
Nepal’s Participation:
The Nepal Tourism Board is leading a group of seven participants from the travel and trade sector to an event. These attendees include Nepal Airlines Corporation, Himalayan 360, Hotel Everest International Limited, Nepal Big Mountain Travel Company Pvt. Ltd., Adventure Gorkhaland Treks and Expedition Private Limited, Fishtail Tours and Travel Pvt. Ltd., and Kora Tours. The direct air connectivity between Nepal and Hong Kong contributes to a favorable business environment, with 3,473 tourists from Hong Kong SAR visiting Nepal in 2023. Out of 1,014,882 total tourists, this represents significant potential for increased tourist arrivals from Hong Kong, who are attracted to Nepal’s natural beauty, culture, adventure opportunities, and diverse climate.
Before the COVID-19 outbreak, the tourism sector made up about 3.6% of Hong Kong’s GDP and provided jobs for approximately 232,700 individuals, representing 6% of total employment. The ITE 2019 had over 88% of exhibitors participating, a number which rose to 90% by 2023, signaling a strong revival and increasing global tourism interest. The ITE Hong Kong 2024 is expected to have a crucial role in the global tourism recovery, promoting international cooperation and demonstrating the industry’s resilience and vitality.
