HK, Hainan join forces to target Russian market
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The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is joining hands with the Hainan Tourism Development Committee (HNTDC) to promote combo visits to the two destinations in Russia. For the first time, the two tourism organisations jointly organised a travel trade seminar in Moscow today (24 September), during which combo itineraries of different themes were introduced to some 90 trade and media representatives from Moscow and St Petersburg.
HKTB Executive Director Anthony Lau said: “We know that Russian travellers not only like to have their winter escape vacation in warmer destinations, but also love shopping. Riding on their preferences, we have formed an alliance with Hainan Province to promote combo itineraries that combine the sun and beach of Hainan and the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Hong Kong. The implementation of mutual visa-free access between Hong Kong and Russia since this July will definitely further enhance our edge.
“As Russia’s peak winter travel season approaches, the HKTB and Hainan Province will step up promotion in the market,” Mr Lau continued. “For the first time, we have organised this joint seminar to introduce combo itineraries of different themes. As well as encouraging the Russian travel trade to roll out packages, we aim to attract media coverage and in turn greater visits by Russian travellers.”
The number of visitor arrivals from Russia to Hong Kong has continued to increase since the implementation of visa-free access. Within the single month of its implementation in July this year, arrivals have increased by 50% over the previous month. The growth trend continued in August, with arrivals increased by a further 19%. Since 2007, the HKTB has identified Russia as an emerging market with development potential. In August 2007, the HKTB appointed a representative in Russia to step up promotion and publicity for Hong Kong.
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