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Other major MICE events held in Hong Kong during the year included CardioRhythm, Combined Scientific Meeting, 28th International Conference of ISQUA, Winefuture Conference, Asian Aerospace, CARTES in Asia, Vitafoods Asia, SIGGRAPH Asia and Mobile Asia Congress.
Also in 2011, Hong Kong won the hosting rights for a number of large-scale MICE events, including the Asian Attractions Expo 2012, Sixth Asia Pacific Heart. Rhythm Society Scientific Session (APHRS) cum CardioRhythm in 2013, International Conference on Grief and Bereavement in Contemporary Society 2014 and Frozen Food Asia 2012.
Cruise Tourism
The new cruise terminal project at Kai Tak is progressing at full swing. Construction of the terminal began in November 2009, and the terminal building and the first berth are expected to commence operation in mid-2013. The second berth is expected to be completed in 2014.
The HKTB continues to promote Hong Kong as a 'must' cruise destination in the region.
Mega Events
Mega events enrich the travel experience of visitors and add colour and vibrancy to the city. Every year, a number of popular and established events are held in Hong Kong, such as the Rugby Sevens and Hong Kong Marathon. To further promote Hong Kong as an events capital of Asia, the Government set up a $100 million 'Mega Events Fund' in May 2009 to sponsor non-profit-making organisations to stage large-scale arts, cultural and sports events in the following three years. Since its establishment, a total of 16 events have received funding from it.
In addition, the HKTB organised a number of mega events to attract visitors to the city. These include the annual International Chinese New Year Parade in February, the Cultural Celebrations featuring four traditional Chinese festivals in May, the Hong Kong Summer Spectacular between June and August, under which the Dragon Boat Carnival was held in June, the Hong Kong Mid-Autumn Festival in September, the Halloween Treats in October, the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival from October 27 to 30, which introduced the Wine and Dine Month in November, and the Hong Kong WinterFest and the New Year Countdown Celebrations in December.
Green Tourism
In November, the HKTB organised the 'Great Outdoors Hong Kong!' programme for the third year, which takes visitors on hikes along different sections of the MacLehose Trail, Hong Kong's longest hiking track as well as hiking trails in other districts. Guided tours are provided free of charge and participants are given a guidebook containing pictures and information of the scenic spots along these trails, the landscapes of the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China, and the outlying islands.