The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has concluded its three-city roadshow across the GCC, showcasing the city’s distinctive tourism offerings and strengthening ties with the region’s leading travel trade.
The five-day programme laid a solid foundation for deeper collaboration with regional partners, reinforcing HKTB’s vision of driving steady growth in arrivals and strengthening Hong Kong’s position as the gateway to Asia and a premier destination for discerning GCC travellers and visitors from the wider region.
Held in Riyadh on September 14, Doha on September 16, and Dubai on September 18, the roadshow series brought together leading travel trade and airline partners, destination management companies (DMCs), and key industry stakeholders from each respective market.
In an exclusive interview with TTN, Beverly Au Yong, Director, Middle East & Central Asia, Hong Kong Tourism Board, shared some insights:
On the Purpose of the Visit to the UAE
Au Yong says, “We are delighted to be in Dubai for the Hong Kong Tourism Board Roadshow, a dedicated platform bringing together leading DMCs, premium hotels, attractions, and travel experts from Hong Kong with our valued industry partners here in the UAE. Our goal is to strengthen trade relationships, share the latest product and destination updates, and identify new avenues for collaboration. The UAE remains a key source market for Hong Kong, and this roadshow reflects our continued commitment to building long-term partnerships with the local travel trade and supporting mutual growth.”
Why the UAE is an Important Market for Hong Kong
Au Yong shares, “The UAE is one of our three key strategic markets in the GCC, and the GCC as a whole is among Hong Kong’s most important growth regions. Travellers from the UAE are known for their strong appetite for premium, family-oriented, and culturally immersive experiences—all of which Hong Kong excels at offering. At the same time, Hong Kong continues to position itself as a preferred travel destination for all kinds of travellers, from families and luxury seekers to culture enthusiasts and business visitors. Last year, arrivals from the GCC grew by 69%, highlighting the region’s rising interest in Hong Kong. The UAE’s youthful, cosmopolitan population and its strong global connectivity further make it a natural partner for Hong Kong as we continue to expand our ties across tourism, culture, and business.”
On the Strategy for Engaging UAE Travellers
She reveals, “We recently appointed AVIAREPS as our dedicated Marketing & PR representative in the GCC, with a regional office in Dubai and strong presence across the UAE and a dedicated presence in Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha and across the wider region. This appointment underlines our long-term commitment to the market and our determination to work even more closely with the region’s travel trade and industry partners. Our strategy is focused on three key areas. First, we are developing tailored marketing and PR campaigns that speak directly to the preferences and travel behaviours of UAE travellers. Second, we are promoting Hong Kong’s growing ecosystem of halal-certified hotels and restaurants, reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s leading Muslim-friendly destinations. And third, we are showcasing the city’s diverse experiential offerings—from Michelin-starred dining and luxury shopping to world-class theme parks, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Through these efforts, our aim is to strengthen Hong Kong’s standing as a preferred destination for UAE travellers of all kinds, whether they are seeking family adventures, cultural discovery, luxury indulgence, or business opportunities.”
On How Hong Kong is Catering to Halal-Conscious Travellers from the UAE
Au Yong states, “Catering to Muslim and halal-conscious travellers is one of our top priorities. Today, Hong Kong offers more than 60 hotels and 190 restaurants certified or recognised by CrescentRating, providing a wide range of trusted options for visitors. Earlier this year, Hong Kong was ranked third among non-OIC destinations in the Global Muslim Travel Index and was honoured as the “Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year.” This recognition not only validates our efforts but, more importantly, reassures GCC travellers that Hong Kong is well equipped to meet and exceed their cultural and dietary needs. From halal dining options to family-oriented services, Hong Kong is increasingly positioned as a welcoming and comfortable destination for visitors from UAE seeking both leisure and business experiences.”
Examples of Hotels in Hong Kong that Cater to UAE and GCC Travellers
She says, “Several leading hotels in Hong Kong have made significant efforts to cater to the needs of UAE and GCC travellers. The Mira Hong Kong and Kowloon Shangri-La, for example, both hold 5-Crescent Ratings and feature halal-certified kitchens, Muslim-friendly facilities, and special arrangements during Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha. Regal Airport Hotel, located right by the airport, is particularly convenient for transit travellers and offers halal-certified dining options, while Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel has become a favourite for families from the region, thanks to its beachfront setting and themed children’s rooms. These properties, among many others, are clear examples of how Hong Kong is adapting to the preferences of UAE and GCC visitors while maintaining the city’s hallmark of authentic Asian hospitality.”
On Experiences Hong Kong Offers UAE Travellers, Including Families
Au Yong shared, “The UAE is a diverse market, and Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to appeal to travellers of all kinds—whether families, couples, solo adventurers, or business visitors. Our world-class theme parks, such as Ocean Park and Hong Kong Disneyland, continue to be a major draw for families, while this summer’s citywide celebrations for the first birthday of our panda twins, Jia Jia and De De, added an extra layer of fun for visitors of all ages. Hong Kong offers a wealth of experiences that appeal to every kind of traveller. From vibrant neighbourhoods and Michelin-starred dining to halal-friendly restaurants, cultural landmarks, and outdoor adventures, the city is safe and rewarding to explore. This diversity is what makes Hong Kong a preferred destination for UAE travellers—whether they are visiting with family, travelling for business, indulging in luxury, or embarking on a solo journey of discovery.”
How Hong Kong Stands Out
Au Yong explains, “Every destination has its own strengths, but Hong Kong distinguishes itself through its seamless blend of East-meets-West culture, world-class tourism infrastructure, and the breadth of experiences it offers in one compact city. Travellers can enjoy halal-certified Michelin-starred dining, authentic luxury shopping, vibrant cultural festivals, iconic attractions, and thrilling theme parks—all supported by a destination that has earned global recognition for its Muslim-friendly offerings and cultural understanding. For the travel trade, this diversity is complemented by strong accessibility. With expanding air connectivity, including direct flights from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, Hong Kong is both convenient to reach and rewarding to promote. Combined with its premium positioning, cultural inclusivity, and wide-ranging appeal, the city offers a distinctive and reliable proposition for travellers and industry partners alike.”
HKTB’s Future Plans for the UAE and the Wider Region
She shares, “We view the UAE not simply as a market but as a long-term partner. Looking ahead, we plan to expand joint campaigns with airlines and deepen our collaborations with the travel trade across the Emirates and the wider GCC. We will also continue to organise dedicated roadshows, such as the one being held in Dubai today, as well as other industry activations designed to strengthen partnerships with the local travel community. In parallel, we intend to bring more media representatives and influencers from the UAE and the region to Hong Kong, giving them the opportunity to experience the city first-hand and share its story with their audiences. At the same time, we will keep promoting Hong Kong’s halal and family-friendly offerings, while also highlighting new attractions and seasonal events. Ultimately, our goal is to position Hong Kong as a destination of choice for UAE and GCC travellers—whether they are seeking luxury experiences, family holidays, cultural exploration, or business opportunities.”
Each stop reinforced Hong Kong’s appeal as a preferred destination for Muslim travellers from the GCC and beyond, while also highlighting its stature as a vibrant, world-class travel destination that welcomes visitors of all ages, interests, and lifestyles. -TradeArabia News Service
