Getting a taste of Hong Kong

A collection of culinary masterminds banded together for an afternoon of authentic cuisine at Hong Kong Live in Toronto, a luncheon hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) at R+D Restaurant for 50 travel agents and tour operators.

“We wanted to make sure our trade partners had a chance to meet with our Hong Kong team,” Michael Lim, director - Canada, Central & South America, told PAX, “and to thank them for all their support over the years, because it’s really the partnerships that make the destination. We all want to achieve success, but we cannot accomplish it ourselves.”

The lunch featured Chef Keung of MIC Kitchen; Chef Mak of Tim Ho Wan; Chef Cheng of Celebrity Cuisine; and Chef Eric Chong, Masterchef winner and chef of R+D. The event was a prelude to the Think Asia, Think Hong Kong business symposium taking place on June 8, where the chefs will serve more than 1,000 businessmen at a meal hosted by the HKTB.

Guests of the luncheon enjoyed inventive dishes such as tomato ‘gado gado’; siu mai and deep fried smoked milk, while learning about Hong Kong’s many tourism offerings from Anthony Lau, executive director of the HKTB.

“Hong Kong is a place where every moment allows you to see a different part of the world,” Lau said during his presentation, going on to encourage the travel trade to discover the dining, arts, heritage, shopping, and natural experiences that can be had while discovering the destination. 

Hong Kong received more than 60 million business arrivals in 2014, making it the second largest destination in China (although if one only counts overnight arrivals, Hong Kong is actually first). Five hours away from other main Asian markets, the city is a hub for visitors, with more than 1,000 flights offered by 100 airlines going through its airport daily. 

According to Lau, Hong Kong is must-visit city for Canadian visitors.

“Research shows 85 per cent of Canadian travellers will visit another Asian destination while or after visiting Hong Kong,” he said.

Lau also shared a number of initiatives currently underway to enhance visitor experiences, such as its 144-hour convenient visa to China's Guangdong province, allowing tour groups consisting of a minimum of two people (and a maximum of 40 persons) to visit the region for six days.

In 2017, the Guangshen'gang XRL, a high-speed railway line connecting Beijing/Peking and Hong Kong, will be completed, expanding traveller access to mainland China and the many networks beyond. 

“Hong Kong’s location and visa policy facilitates the development of multi-destination activities,” Lau said of the city’s growth. “This offers more options to long-haul visitors from Canada.”

Tourism product and tool developments are also on the rise at the HKTB, with tours such as the Sham Shui Po Foodie Tour, the 360 Lantau Sunset Tour and the Wing Chun Kung Fu Experience Tour now available, as well as digital programs designed to assist travellers prior to, during, and following their Hong Kong experience.

The My Hong Kong Guide, for instance, is a digital guide and mobile app that allows guests to plan itineraries on a website at home, then refer to it while on their trip using their smartphone. Similarly, the Insider’s Guide, also available via smartphone, provides travellers with insight to parts of the city only known to locals.

On the trade side, HKTB has created partnernet.hktb.com, an e-commerce marketplace service that facilitates matchmaking among suppliers. Tour operators in Canada looking for hotels and services in Hong Kong can use the platform to connect with suppliers on the other side of the world. Meanwhile, Specialist.com, for agents, is an online training system that allows graduates to become Hong Kong Specialists. 

For more information, visit www.discoverhongkong.com.