BERLIN, GERMANY -- 18 September 2018 - Hong Kong named World's 10th largest market by total outbound spending in 2016(*1), but ranked top among world's 10 largest markets by capita, and spending continues! 

 

In 2017, Hong Kong spent US$25.5 billion on international tourism, up 5.8%; More visited destinations like Japan (up 21.3% to 2.23 million), Thailand (up 9.5% to 820,000), and Australia (up 13.8% to 282,100). Outbound package tour in first six months of 2018 grew 14.8% (*2) !

 

In survey on public visitors of  ITE Hong Kong 2018, the city's only travel fairwhich collected over 3000 replies, 84% prefer traveling in FIT or private tours!

 

Totaling 90055 in two days, ITE's public visitors are mature (67% aged between 35 and 64) ; and well educated (university 42% & post secondary 32%) ! Many have multiple holidays in past year - 13% had six or more holidays, 44% had three to five, 40% had one to two, and only 2.5% no holiday.

 

Their outlook positive: 49% spending more in next 12 months, 27% maintainingand only 5% reduce spending! On destinations to visit within next two years, 54% picked East and North-east Asia, 42% South & South-east Asia, and 39% Europe etc.

 

They enjoy theme travel too! For examples, Culture & Historical, Gourmet Tour, Cruise, Eco-tourism and Outdoor each drew over 30% positive responses etc.

 

Tech savvy and likely English speaking, 60% prefer book online directly with suppliers like airline and hotel, and 19% interest in joining tour at destination. Coincidentally, 63% interest in booking holiday and 55% attending seminar in ITE. So realistic for foreign sellers dealing directly with Hong Kong Affluent FIT !  

 

Combining leisure and MICE travels, ITE Hong Kong 2018 was attended by 666 exhibitors (87% from abroad and China) with some 180 present MICE products; and in two trade days which require registration for admission, 12460 buyers and visitors with 73% from Hong Kong and 21% from mainland China; while by sectors 6580 from travel agents or operators and 2567 MICE or corporations.