Subscribe
E-Paper
 |
| Old Town Central in Hong Kong is a tourism hotspot thanks to its various street art. / Courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board |
By Kang Seung-woo
The Hong Kong Tourism Board has set its sights on female Korean tourists and those seeking to get the most bang for their buck for its summer promotion.
 |
| Scott Kwon, regional director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, speaks during a press conference in Seoul, Wednesday. / Courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board |
"To fuel the Hong Kong tourism boom in Korea, we are set to come up with programs designed to provide relaxation in urban areas and cost-effective travels," Scott Kwon, regional director of Hong Kong Tourism Board in Korea, said in a press conference in Seoul, Wednesday.
As for local delicacies, the tourist board boasts of Australia Dairy Company in Tsim Sha Tsui, one of the most popular cha chaan teng eateries in Hong Kong that is famed for its steamed milk and egg puddings. Cha chaan teng, which literally means tea restaurant, is a Hong Kong-style cafe.
Plus, the Starbucks Concept Store on Duddell Street that incorporates the city's unique cultural history with a contemporary coffeehouse design is also a must-visit, it recommended.
When it comes to shopping, Hong Kong is the ultimate destination in the world filled with a great number of malls.
Among them, it recommended Sogo Department Store located in Causeway Bay as it is only one of the two places in Asia to station a Gucci Cosmetic Collection Store. The other is nearby Macao.
Hong Kong is also courting Korean travelers who love taking once-in-a-life-time photos from enviable locations with its "Instagrammable" spots.
Along with already-renowned places, including Sham Shui Po, the tourist board also promoted emerging sightseeing spots such as Tai Kwun.
It presents a wide range of heritage, contemporary art, performing arts and lifestyle experiences in the restored and revitalized Central Police Station compound, which comprises three Declared Monuments, the former Central Police Station, the Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison.
In order to encourage more arrivals from Korea, the tourist board is cooperating with several airlines and hotels.
Until Aug. 31, four airlines ― Hong Kong Airlines, HK Express, Jeju Air and Air Busan ― will offer cheap flights whose prices on round trips start from the 100,000 won ($84) mark.
In addition, 18 hotels there present various benefits including complimentary breakfast or free tickets to sightseeing attractions.
Last year, the number of Korean tourists to Hong Kong stood at 1.43 million, declining 4 percent from the previous year. It was the first time Hong Kong saw a year-on-year decrease in 10 years.
"For the first quarter of this year, the number of Koreans increased by 5.5 percent year-on-year thanks to much media exposure. For this year, we plan to promote various storytelling of the Hong Kong tourism," Kwon said.
