TRAVEL AND TOURISM
audio system that provides a running commentary on the various tour sights and locations.
The HKTA also introduced several new products in 1998, further promoting Hong Kong's culture and heritage. Among these were the Fung Shui Tour, and the tours to the new bargain area in Wan Chai and the Bird-Fish-Flower Leisure Experience in the Mong Kok area.
The HKTA is working closely with its member tour operators and other relevant parties to encourage the development of new products, as well as specialised theme tours. For example, in 1998, the association helped to establish a new bus service between Kowloon and Stanley.
Convention, Exhibition and Incentive Travel
The convention, exhibition and incentive travel sector is a key component of the tourist industry. The HKTA's commitment and efforts in promoting Hong Kong as a world-class venue for major international conferences and exhibitions is well reflected in the growing number of such events confirmed to be held in Hong Kong over the coming years. During 1998, Hong Kong hosted 1 309 international events, attracting about 287 000 overseas delegates and participants.
Major international association meetings held in Hong Kong in 1998 included the 11th Rehabilitation International Asia & the Pacific Regional Conference cum Campaign '98 for the Asian & Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons 1993-2002; the 20th Annual International Conference of IEEE Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society; the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine 1st International Congress; the 15th Annual Conference of the Hong Kong Educational Research Association; and the Fire Asia Conference.
All upcoming conferences and exhibitions are listed in a calendar available both in print and on the association's website. Major events scheduled to be held over the coming few years include: the 8th World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations Convention 1999; the International Conference on Teacher Education (1999); the 32nd International General Meeting of the Pacific Basin Economic Council (1999); the Asia Pacific Hospice Conference (1999); the 14th World Congress on Sexology (1999); the International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (2000); the 11th Asian Pacific Congress of Gastroenterology & 8th Asian-Pacific Congress of Digestive Endoscopy (2000); the World Assembly of United Way International Conference (2000); the 17th International Conference on Human Tumour Markers (2000); the Chinese Congress of Clinical Chemistry & Laboratory Medicine (2000); the 64th Y's Men International Convention (2000); the 6th Asian Society of Hepato Biliary Pancreatic Surgery Conference (2001); the 12th World Productivity Congress (2001); the International Psychogeriatric Association Regional Meeting (2002); the World Congress of Accountants 2002; the International Cardiac Pacing & Electrophysiology Society World Symposium (2003); the Asia Pacific Dental Congress (2004); and the Lions Clubs International Convention (2005).
In a major move to encourage even more organisations to consider Hong Kong for their events, the HKTA joined forces with 40 top hotels in Hong Kong, as well as the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Hongkong International Trade and Exhibition Centre, to create the Value Plus package that offers a 30 to 50
271