Under a 2019 plan, Hong Kong will proactively integrate into the overall national development. It already has a head-start in industries such as tourism and trade. GBA’s 86-million population and thousands of Chinese ‘Fortune 500’ and multinational corporations, along with a huge cluster of ports and airports provide good potential for business events.
“As an international city of the GBA, Hong Kong not just stands out as ‘the world’s meeting place’, but also leads as a global business hub,” said a Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) spokesperson.
In positioning itself as a GBA MICE hub, Hong Kong is emphasising its business fundamentals and connectivity both to mainland China and the wider world to generate strong event attendance.
The 55km Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the world’s largest bridge-and-tunnel sea crossing, reduces travel time from Hong Kong to Macau to only 40 minutes, and 45 minutes to Zhuhai. The bridge is adjacent to event venue AsiaWorld-Expo.
Travel time by high-speed rail is only 18 minutes from Hong Kong to Shenzhen and 48 minutes to Guangzhou.
The 6-day visa-exemption transit policy for foreign group tours entering the Pearl River Delta area and Shantou from Hong Kong is a boon for event organisers targeting foreign MICE attendees.
HKTB said Hong Kong provides access to MICE sponsors from the mainland aiming to reach a wider international audience, global businesses looking for opportunities in GBA and international associations wanting to foster professional exchanges. Hong Kong also has a well-established network of experienced MICE professionals.
“Given Hong Kong’s unique role and connectivity in GBA, favourable government support and HKTB’s strong support for MICE professionals, MICE events staged in Hong Kong will unlock game-changing opportunities,” said HKTB.
