HKTB maintains visitor arrivals forecast for 2008

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) stands by its forecast of an eight-percent increase in 2008 visitor arrivals contrary to a media report on Saturday, April 19, that it would adjust the 2008 yearly visitor arrivals projection downward from eight percent to five percent.

“In calculating the 2008 yearly visitor arrivals projection, the HKTB already considered the possible impact of the Olympic Games. The HKTB also included in its yearly business plan, summer booster promotional campaign targeting Mainland China and other short-haul markets, to minimise possible impact of the Olympics on arrivals. Since 2007, the HKTB has communicated the potential impact to travel-trade partners so that they could make appropriate plans well ahead of the games,” the HKTB said in a statement.

“As at mid-April 2008, total visitor arrivals to Hong Kong increased by 10 percent year-on-year. Based on the current growth trend, the HKTB will maintain its forecast of an eight-percent increase in the yearly arrivals.”