MANILA – The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is sticking to its original eight-percent growth in arrivals by year-end in the face of growing industry concerns that increasing travel expenses might keep visitors away.
“In calculating the 2008 yearly visitor arrivals projection, the HKTB already considered thoroughly the possible impact of a strain of market factors including the slowdown of the world economy, fuel price increase, inflation, the Olympic Games, “ a spokesperson said.
HKTB is projecting to receive 30 million visitors by 2008.
From January to June 2008, Hong Kong received more than 14 million visitors which represented an increase of nine percent over the same period last year.
“Based on the current growth trend, we are cautiously optimistic about reaching the forecast,” the spokesperson said.
