ENG-1995 — Page 363

TRAVEL AND TOURISM

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the 20th Annual International Conference of Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the 11th Rehabilitation International Regional Conference and Campaign '98 for the Asian and Pacific Decade.

During 1995, Hong Kong hosted some 250 international events, bringing about 50 000 overseas participants to the territory. Incentive travel increased from fewer than 200 groups in 1982 to more than 1 000 groups in 1995, with close to 80 000 participants.

In June, Hong Kong hosted the Joint Conference of the Alliance of Canadian Travel Agents, the Australian Federation of Travel Agents and the Travel Agents Association of New Zealand, welcoming some 1 500 delegates at the inaugural joint conference of these three prestigious organisations.

Throughout the year, Hong Kong welcomed delegates from all over the world. Other major events held in 1995 included the 14th World Conference of the World Organisation of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians, with 2 100 participants; the 34th Orient and Southeast Asian Lions Forum, with 10 000 participants; the 83rd World Dental Federation Annual World Dental Congress, with 5 000 participants; the 8th Teo Chew International Convention, with 2 000 participants; and the 6th Asian Pacific Congress of Nephrology, with 1 000 participants.

The 'Hong Kong Convention Ambassador Programme' continued and more business leaders, professionals and academics were recruited as Convention Ambassadors. They are committed to developing the territory's world-wide status as a venue for international meetings, conventions and incentive events, spreading the Hong Kong message to their overseas counterparts and business associates.

Local Activities

To highlight the tourism industry's contribution to Hong Kong and to enhance community support for the industry, the HKTA organised a number of local events during the year.

One of the major local events is the Annual Courtesy Campaign. In 1995, it focused on taxi-drivers and events such as finding the most courteous taxi-driver, English- language classes for taxi-drivers, and a courtesy slogan competition were organised. The Student Ambassador Programme, for the 28th year, chose students heading overseas for their tertiary education to take part in a month-long programme of talks and visits to increase their understanding of various aspects of Hong Kong. This year, 150 students did the course, enabling them to talk more knowledgeably and positively about their home. Film star Jackie Chan was appointed the official 'Hong Kong Tourism Ambassador' and supported the HKTA's activities both in Hong Kong and overseas. The fourth Tourism Walks for Charity' event was held in late November and raised $1.65 million for three charities in Hong Kong.

Industry Training

The association recognised the importance of training in the tourism industry to maintain Hong Kong's reputation for quality services. Its Industry Training Department continued to work with the Vocational Training Council and other training institutes to ensure that sufficient courses were available for personnel in the