The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has launched the “Hong Kong Convention Ambassador” program with more than 100 leaders of business and professional bodies in Hong Kong to help revitalize Hong Kong’s MICE industry, after a turbulent and challenging 2020.
With extensive connections, influence and personal standing in their respective fields, the ambassadors have a significant advantage when they lobby potential conference organizers to consider Hong Kong as the preferred host city for future MICE events, according to HKTB.
The MICE Multiplier Effect in Hong Kong
On average, MICE visitors are high-yielding travelers to Hong Kong who spend at least 20 percent more per capita than general visitors, creating a larger multiplier effect on the city’s economy. MICE events also help drive the recovery and development of the region, including the Greater Bay Area.
The ambassadors, HKTB said, will be instrumental in strengthening the city’s position as a best-in-class MICE hub. Their efforts have already begun to bear fruit, with the Hong Kong International Dental Expo and Symposium (HKIDEAS) held successfully in January, a testament to their endeavors and paving the way for the 15th Asia Pacific Congress of Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia (ELSA 2021) to be held this November. The three-day HKIDEAS event, the first trade exhibition held in the city since the fourth wave of COVID-19 hit in late 2020, drew an average daily attendance of over 3,000 dental professionals.
Fellow ambassador, professor Philip Chiu, the associate dean (external affairs) of faculty of medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and ELSA 2021 congress chair, has made every effort to bring the annual congress to Hong Kong in November 2021. To be held at the Hong Kong Science & Technology Park, ELSA 2021 is the biggest conference in Asia in endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery. The event will bring economic benefits and further elevate the city’s medical standing, paving the way for bidding for more international medical events.
A Robust Recovery Ahead
The strong alliance of "Convention Ambassadors" will amplify Hong Kong’s appeal in drawing more top MICE events to the city, thereby driving a robust recovery post-COVID-19. With the HKTB team’s comprehensive support, they will contribute significantly to strengthening the city’s status as “The World’s Meeting Place.”
Beyond the aforementioned events, there are 10 large-scale conferences to be held in Hong Kong between the third quarter of 2021 and 2023.
For more information, visit www.discoverhongkong.com.
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