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Consul General Antonio A. Morales, together with Philippine travel industry representatives, were among the 1,000 plus participants in the Hong Kong International Tourism Convention held on 12 December 2018 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

With the theme “Leveraging Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) & Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) Development”, the convention – organized by the Hong Kong government, Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong – discussed trends and initiatives to boost the industry, especially in promoting multi-destination tourism.

Consul General Morales was Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), led by its President, Ms. Marlene Dado Jante, and the Hong Kong office of Philippine Airlines.

In her opening address, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor underlined the importance of tourism exchange and developing “people bonds” as foundation for closer and stronger relationships, especially among BRI countries.

Among these initiatives are easing visa regulations, enhancing connectivity and promoting multi-destination visits such as the Asia Cruise Cooperation, where Philippines is a member.

To note, Hong Kong welcomed 60 million visitors so far this year – 47 million from mainland China and 13 million from overseas. According to Euromonitor International global market research company, Hong Kong was the most visited city in the world in 2018 for the eighth year in a row, beating Bangkok, Paris, London and New York.

Panel discussants, led by HK Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau Tang-wah; Chairman of Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd John R. Slosar; and HK Tourism Board Executive Director Anthony Lau, highlighted the power of social media, infrastructure investment, safety and security and creating experiences for tourists, in boosting tourist arrivals.

Consul General Morales took the opportunity to network with various stakeholders including members of the consular corps and tourism industry representatives, and draw best practices and trends in tourism promotion, to help boost the country’s “It’s More Fun In The Philippines” tourism campaign.

Philippine Consul General Antonio A. Morales and Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) President, Ms. Marlene Dade Jante, attend the Hong Kong International Tourism Convention held on 12 December 2018 at the Hong Kong International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Ms. Jante led 11-member delegation from PTAA.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor delivers her opening address at the Hong Kong International Tourism Convention held on 12 December 2018 at the Hong Kong International Convention and Exhibition Centre. During her address, she underlined the importance of tourism exchange and developing “people bonds” as foundation for closer and stronger relationships, especially among Belt and Road countries. Among these initiatives are easing visa regulations, enhancing connectivity and promoting multi-destination visits such as the Asia Cruise Cooperation, where Philippines is a member.