FEATURE HONG KONG AND MACAU
What’s New Hong Kong Airlines begins a
daily non-stop service between London-Gatwick and Hong Kong on March 8 with Club Premier and Club Classic seating. The flights should draw business and upmarket leisure travellers. Also this month Qantas is
ceasing its flights between London and Hong Kong. In Hong Kong itself, work continues on the Guangzhou- Hong Kong rail link, as well as the major new cruise
terminal, the first berth of which UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
BY BEN LERWILL For somewhere synonymous with bright lights and hectic street life, Hong Kong provides a surprising amount in the way of peace and seclusion. You can spend the morning letting manic market scenes fill your ears, eyes and nostrils, then in the afternoon take yourself off to a park or hilltop where the only disturbance comes from the bird song. There are plenty of options – I once followed up a few hours in Tsim Sha Tsui with an afternoon walk over the spine of Hong Kong Island to the fishing village of Shek O. But for relaxation with a view it’s hard to beat Victoria Peak. It does get busy, but if you wait until the crowds thin the reward is your own grandstand panorama over hills, bays and one of the world’s most handsome cityscapes.
will be finished in 2013. Disneyland has just opened the multi-attraction Toy Story Land and there’s also a continued expansion of marine theme park Ocean Park. In Macau, the biggest story is the imminent opening of Sands Cotai Central, with its Conrad, Sheraton and Holiday Inn hotels, boosting Macau’s overall bed stock to around 28,000. The complex, located on the Cotai Strip, will also bring spas,
shopping, various dining options and a large amount of convention space. Last year saw the launch of a new iPhone app and the opening of the Macau Tourism & Cultural Activity Centre, while visitors to Macau can also now enjoy organised harbour cruises. Agents can expect some as yet unfinalised joint Hong Kong-Macau
trade initiatives. In Hong Kong, the rebranded five star Harbour Grand Kowloon has been chosen again as a winner in the Top 25 Luxury Hotels in China by TripAdvisor, in its 2012 Travellers’ Choice® awards.
Tourism Talk SUE WHITEHEAD
General Manager, Macau Government Tourist Office, UK
“UK visitors were two per cent up for the period from January to November 2011, so 56,606 in total, and the UK was the second most productive market for length of stay, averaging 3.4 nights. Globally we had more than 28 million arrivals, a 12.2% increase. "We’re working hard to keep Macau
on people’s radars. We’re cooperating with Hong Kong a lot. In 2011 we held joint events, joint dinners and joint promotions, even joint fams. Both destinations have their individual attractions and objectives, of course, but it makes sense to cooperate.”
DAWN PAGE Director, UK & Northern Europe, Hong Kong Tourism Board
“We had just over 500,000 UK visitors in 2011. That was 1.8% down on the previous year, but in the current climate that’s pretty good. We had almost 42 million visitors overall, which was 16% up on 2010, so
HONG KONG Top Selling Tips...
• Shop till you drop... “Pick up local handicrafts and paintings at Stanley Market on Hong Kong Island or head to Nathan Road which has everything from tourist souvenirs to high-end goods”
ANDREA LODDO Lead Regional Product Manager Hayes & Jarvis
• Use Macau as an add-on... “With its mix of European heritage, Vegas-style entertainment and stunning newly-opened hotels, Macau makes the perfect add-on to any Asia break”
HAYLEY GILES Product Manager, Flight Centre
• Cruise for a pound... “Travel on the Star Ferry across the Victoria Harbour and mingle with the local commuters: the views are breathtaking and it won't empty your pocket!”
ANDREA LODDO Hayes & Jarvis
• Enjoy the variety... “Hong Kong has it all; unique culture, gourmet cuisine, fantastic shopping and some of the best night-life in Asia. Don’t miss the Ladies Markets for a designer bargain!”
HAYLEY GILES Product Manager, Flight Centre
From left: For two such small places, Hong Kong and Macau offer a huge range of contrasting experiences
38 March 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
Selling Tip
Head to Macau during the week for lower room rates – Chinese tourists tend to flock there at weekends
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