ENG-2014 — Page 364

Chapter 18

Travel and Tourism

Tourism continued to thrive despite challenges and competition. An exciting 'Hong Kong Pulse 3D Light Show' was introduced in the year, as Hong Kong received more than 60 million visitors.

Hong Kong received over 60.8 million visitors in 2014, an increase of 12 per cent over 2013. The Mainland continued to be the largest source of visitors, surging by 16 per cent over 2013 to 47.2 million in 2014. There was also a notable growth in visitors from a number of other source markets, including India (plus 18.7 per cent), South Korea (plus 15.5 per cent) and Singapore (plus 5.4 per cent).

Major Tourism Developments

While work on boosting family and business travels continued, special efforts were made to promote MICE ('Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions'), cruise tourism, mega events and 'green tourism.

MICE

Hong Kong is a premier MICE destination, offering world-class convention and exhibition facilities and a wide range of tourist attractions. The 'Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong' (MEHK), a dedicated office established under the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), promotes MICE tourism for Hong Kong.

There were 1.8 million overnight MICE visitors to Hong Kong in 2014, a rise of 11.1 per cent over 2013. Hong Kong was once again selected as the 'Best Business City in the World' by a leading MICE journal. Hong Kong hosts some of the world's largest trade fairs, such as the Hong Kong Electronics Fair, the Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair, the Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair, and the Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair.

Major conventions and exhibitions held in Hong Kong during the year included Watches & Wonders Asia Haute Horlogerie 2014, Art Basel, Vinexpo 2014, Nu Skin Greater China Convention 2014, International Trademark Association 136th Annual Meeting, International

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