Dubai, UAE – Riding a wave of significant growth in visitors from the Gulf region, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is making a determined push to further solidify its appeal to Middle Eastern travellers.
HKTB is a government-subvented body dedicated to maximising the economic benefits of tourism for Hong Kong and upholding the city’s reputation as a premier global travel destination.
At the Arabian Travel Market 2025 (ATM) in Dubai, the HKTB unveiled a robust strategy, backed by over 30 representatives from Hong Kong’s travel trade, signaling a clear commitment to forging deeper collaborations and crafting tailored experiences for the discerning GCC market.
This intensified focus comes on the heels of a remarkable 69% year-on-year surge in visitor arrivals from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to Hong Kong in 2024, underscoring the growing appetite for the unique blend of East-meets-West culture, modern dynamism, and premium offerings that Hong Kong provides.
Understanding the specific preferences of GCC travelers, the HKTB is actively developing high-quality, culturally sensitive offerings. These include an increasing number of halal-certified services and facilities, attractions catering to families, and enhanced luxury shopping and wellness experiences designed to resonate with the lifestyle of Middle Eastern visitors.
To amplify its reach within the region, the HKTB strategically utilized ATM 2025 to ink key partnerships with prominent Middle Eastern travel platforms.
In a significant move aimed at the Qatari market, the HKTB signed a Memorandum of Understanding with musafir.com. This collaboration will see the two entities join forces on customized co-branded promotions and targeted digital marketing campaigns, aiming to elevate Hong Kong’s profile as a premier destination for Qatari travelers.
Similarly, the HKTB forged an alliance with Almosafer, a leading travel brand in Saudi Arabia. This partnership will focus on engaging Saudi travelers through compelling promotional campaigns and strategic digital content, positioning Hong Kong as a top-of-mind travel choice for the Kingdom’s outbound market.
“Hong Kong offers a truly compelling fusion of experiences that naturally align with the preferences of our esteemed GCC visitors and Muslim travelers,” emphasised Dane Cheng, Executive Director of HKTB. “From our authentic cultural heritage to our world-class hospitality and growing array of halal-friendly services, we are confident that Hong Kong is ideally positioned to exceed the expectations of today’s sophisticated Middle Eastern travelers. With air connectivity between Hong Kong and the GCC steadily expanding, coupled with our proactive and strengthened promotional efforts, we eagerly anticipate welcoming even more visitors from this vital region to explore the diverse wonders that Hong Kong has to offer.”
Further bolstering its outreach in the Gulf, the HKTB is also partnering with Wego, the region’s leading travel app and largest online travel marketplace. This collaboration will shine a spotlight on Hong Kong’s vibrant culture, iconic attractions, and its revitalised appeal as a must-visit destination for GCC travellers, leveraging Wego’s extensive user base and marketing capabilities.
Recognising the pivotal role of seamless travel, the HKTB highlighted the crucial air links connecting Hong Kong and the GCC. With multiple daily flights operating from major hubs like Dubai and Doha, and frequent connections available from Riyadh, accessibility to Hong Kong has never been easier for travelers from the Gulf. This robust air network not only fuels leisure travel but also strengthens Hong Kong’s position as a global hub for business events, conferences, and exhibitions.
Through these strategic partnerships, targeted marketing initiatives, and a deep understanding of the GCC travel market, the Hong Kong Tourism Board is laying a strong foundation for sustained growth in visitor numbers from the region, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a dynamic and premium destination for discerning Middle Eastern travellers.
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