The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has signed an MoU with Emirates airline, signifying a major milestone in HKTB’s efforts to expand its tourism initiatives within and for the GCC market. The MoU was signed at the Arabian Travel Market 2024, where the HKTB also signed another MoU with dnata Travel Group, as part of its strategy to further strengthen partnerships between Hong Kong and the GCC through leading airlines and travel agencies.
The new agreements will see the rolling out of a comprehensive plan to promote Hong Kong as a tourism destination to GCC residents. Hong Kong is already a visa-free destination for many GCC travellers, offering a cosmopolitan escape to East Asia with plenty of cultural delights, a healthy blend of tradition and modernity, and an “East-meets-West” flavour. Travellers from the region can currently choose from one of 21 weekly flights on Emirates and 7 weekly flights on Cathay Pacific, with the new agreements likely to lead to more options with greater convenience, and more curated packages available to cater to the tastes of GCC visitors.
Among the different types of trips profiled, the newly-released “Travel in Luxe” Hong Kong guide – which showcases an expanded range of luxury experiences and halla-friendly activities for GCC visitors – will span four categories: Cultural Encounters (including visits to the Hong Kong museum of Art and the city’s architectural marvels), Exploring Hong Kong in Style (including sailing on a yacht or touring the city on a helicopter, as well as luxury shopping), Family Bonds (including VIP tours at major attractions such as Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park), and Exquisite Services (including bespoke shopping experiences, culinary sessions with elite chefs, customized adventure itineraries, martial arts lessons with esteemed masters, and more, all with a personalised touch).
