MIDDLE East tourists visiting Hong Kong increased by just over 23 per cent in the first 10 months of 2010 with 176,373 recorded arrivals.
Total arrivals during the same period were 29,434,487 and with 24,688 travellers from the region, October alone saw an increase of 11.3 per cent year-on-year from the region.
Sandra Kwan of the Hong Kong Tourism Board said: “The Middle East market is important and it is very promising that it is growing in visitor numbers to Hong Kong every year.
“Visitors from the region are particularly interested in shopping and family attractions and we are working with main tour operators in the GCC region and key airlines to promote Hong Kong with packages to offer.”
She added that there are various recently opened and new developments plus projects due to come online in 2011 and the coming years which will help make the destination even more attractive.
A new cruise terminal is due to open in mid 2013 on the former Kai Tak Runway in Kowloon, Hong Kong, it will be able to accommodate two extra ships including mega vessels.
Also on the cards is sky100, the observation deck in the ICC (International Commerce Centre - soon to be the tallest building in Hong Kong) which will be the highest indoor deck in Hong Kong, offering a panoramic view of Hong Kong and Victoria Harbour from the heart of the city.
Due for soft opening in April 2011, it will have multi-media exhibits to tell visitors about the local history and culture, plus a resource centre providing comprehensive tourist information. Sky100 will be located on the 100th floor and will be the best point for visitors to begin exploring the city.
Hong Kong National Geopark opened about a year ago and covers an area of 50 sq km across parts of the eastern and northeastern New Territories. It is divided into the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region and the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region, with each region featuring four geo-areas, or eight in total, showcasing the intriguing natural landforms. The geopark has developed several geo-tour routes for visitors to explore different geo-areas and visitors can also join tours to appreciate the diverse geological features and landscapes of Hong Kong.