ITB Berlin News 2019 - Day 1 Edition

72 REGION ASIABROUGHT TO

72 REGION ASIABROUGHT TO YOU BY SETOUCHI PRESENTS AUTHENTIC JAPAN EXPERIENCES AT ITB BERLIN Hong Kong Hall 26a / Stand 119 China’s Pearl River Delta destinations growing together Greater Bay Area will have its first-ever joint presence at ITB Berlin Visa facilitation and new direct transport links are boosting growth in the Greater Bay area. The consolidation of the three regions to one large economic hub is part of the infrastructure milestones the Chinese government is pursuing in conjunction with the Road and Belt initiative. As this cooperation also encompasses the tourism sector, the three partners are looking forward to their first-ever joint presence at ITB Berlin. China’s Greater Bay Area consists of two Special Administrative Regions: Hong Kong and Macao, together with nine municipalities of China’s most populated Guangdong Province. Anthony Lau, Executive Director, Hong Kong Tourism Board, says the tourism sector is set to greatly benefit from this regional merger: “We are at the beginning of a golden age of opportunity that will make the Greater Bay Area a destination of choice for tourists from every corner of the world. By working together, we can steer the region’s tourism industry towards exciting new horizons.” VIETNAM, RISING TOURISM STAR IN SOUTHEAST ASIA Vietnam is turning into one of the largest tourism destinations in Southeast Asia. Last year, the country officially recorded 15.49 million international arrivals, up by 19.9% over 2017. This good performance was stimulated by skyrocketing tourist arrivals from China. With 23.9% growth last year, Chinese represented Vietnam’s largest inbound source market with 4.97 million arrivals. South Korea came second with 3.49 million arrivals, a jump of 44.3% over 2017. Vietnam success is due to easier entrance conditions into the country. They are 24 countries benefiting now from a visa exemption for staying fluctuating between 14 and 90 days- depending of the country. Last year, the country confirmed to extend visa exemption for five European nationalities (the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy) to June 2021. ITB BERLIN NEWS • Wednesday 6 th March 2019 The main infrastructure improvement in the Greater Bay Area is the 55km long bridge, which connects Hong Kong, Macao and Zhuhai. The world’s longest sea bridge reduces the travelling time from Hong Kong International Airport on Lantau Island to Zhuhai to 45 minutes from four hours. The new route includes one tunnel and several bridging elements. Another milestone is the completion of the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, connecting the Hong Kong train network to the one in Mainland China. Travel time from the newly built Hong Kong Kowloon West station to Guangzhou North has halved to 48 minutes. Lau says a major focus for international markets lies in the development of multi-destination travel packages. A “144 hours convenient visa” enables tourists an easy border crossing from Hong Kong or Macao to Guangdong. The cruise industry is also looking into developments in the Pearl River Delta, as the region offers multiple calls within a short distance Most important is however the introduction of e-visa facilities for citizens of 81 countries, who just pay online US for a 30-day stay. Another important trend has been a rise international air flights to more areas in Vietnam, including second-tier destinations such as Dalat, Haiphong, Nha Trang, Phuket or Danang. Qatar Airways launched last year the first ever connection between Danang and the Gulf Hall 26c / Stand 313 © Emit Chan Ban Gioc Falls Miyajima, Hiroshima The Setouchi Tourism Authority says that the region, which is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, remains almost a hidden gem to tourists. Visitors to Setouchi can stay overnight in traditional Ryokans, while tasting specialities include Koberind, Fugu, Udon noodles or sake. Setouchi is known as the “Aegean Sea of the Orient” and the “Land of Beautiful Weather”, an enchanting island world in the tranquil Seto inland sea Hall 26a / Stand 120 TAIWAN PROMOTES SMALL TOWNS Taiwan’s Tourism Bureau plans to make small towns the focus of its tourism promotion campaign in 2019. It has selected towns with sightseeing and tourism characteristics, including: classic towns of various counties and cities in Taiwan, as well as theme towns recommended by various ministries in Taiwan, such as Hakka towns, indigenous tribal villages, and towns certified as slow-paced cities by Cittaslow International, as targets to promote Taiwan’s small town tourism characteristics. Taiwan has 368 districts, townships, and small cities and counties, which have a rich and diverse cultural history, cultural landscapes, and recreational resources. The Tourism Bureau said that developments will include smart tourism, promoting experiences and sightseeing Hall 26a / Stand 121 © Michelle Ou www.itb-berlin-news.com

ASIA REGION 73 ADVERTORIAL Marco Polo’s strategic location and impeccable service make it an ideal choice for modern travellers New lobby at Prince Hotel Marco Polo Hotels - Hong Kong: an exceptional choice in Hong Kong Three iconic Kowloon harbour-front hotels with a strategic location, impeccable service and modern comforts MARCO POLO HONGKONG HOTEL, HOME TO SPECTACULAR VIEWS Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, situated in the heart of Kowloon along the legendary Canton Road, is an iconic favourite for many Hong Kong based families and a preferred destination for business and leisure travellers. It is renowned for providing warm and welcoming quality service and is a popular choice known for its harbour views of one of the world’s most recognised skylines. Along with its sister Gateway Hotel and Prince Hotel, Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is part of Harbour City – Hong Kong’s largest shopping complex, housing over 450 shops, including the world’s leading brands and a host of dining options. Comprising 665 guestrooms and suites, many of which offer breathtaking waterfront views of the celebrated Victoria Harbour, the hotel also offers the ultimate personalised service with The Continental Club. NEW CLUB FLOOR AT GATEWAY HOTEL Continuing to enhance guest experience, Gateway this year will unveil an entirely new Continental Club floor on the hotel’s uppermost level. Located on the 17 th Floor, twenty-one newly appointed guest rooms and suites offer stunning city views over premier Canton Road, showcasing Hong Kong’s dramatic skyline. Business professionals and modern leisure travellers can enjoy the sophisticated sleek design ethic with the added benefits of an exclusive Continental Club Lounge. Gateway was the recipient of the prestigious “Global Excellence Award” for Best Hotel from the International Interior Design Association when its renovation was completed in 2012. The newly completed Club Floor guest rooms continue to reflect a refreshed design, enhanced with the latest technology for today’s travellers. Gateway Hotel’s 400 modern rooms and suites are equipped with complimentary Mini-Bar with daily replenishment. PRINCE HOTEL’S SPECTACULAR NEW LOBBY The modern fusion of sophistication and stylish comforts that define Prince Hotel’s spectacular new arrival experience include the modern Lobby, designed by awardwinning Hong Kong based architecture and interior design firm ARK Associates Limited, inviting guests to enter through a striking glass box. This dazzling new entrance floods the lobby with natural light and reflects the sense of modernity, simplicity and welcoming hospitality that are hallmarks of Prince Hotel. The 394 spacious rooms and suites cater for the needs of modern travellers. FACILITIES AND LOCATION The three Marco Polo hotels in Hong Kong comprise of more than 1,450 rooms, all equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi and handy smartphone. Guests have access to an outdoor swimming pool at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel and 24 hour gym at Prince Hotel and Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel. Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel’s Deluxe Harbour View Room The three hotels are just a short walk to the Kowloon Park, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Space Museum, China Ferry Terminal and the Mass Transit Railway station. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre is just a ten-minute ferry ride away. There’s also easy access to Kowloon Station, from where the Hong Kong International Airport is minutes away via Airport Express. And it’s just a short walk to High Speed Rail Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, connecting Hong Kong with 44 mainland stations without interchange Hall 26a / Stand 119 ITB BERLIN NEWS • Wednesday 6 th March 2019