Shortageof National Games tickets for groups poses challenge for Hong Kong's tourism industry
Hong Kong Tourism Representatives Call for Group Tickets and Packages for National Games
Hong Kong tourism representatives are raising concerns about the ticket allocation for travel groups during the National Games, fearing it may hinder the development and marketing of tourism products related to the event.
The main issue lies in the limited number of tickets designated for travel groups, which could potentially restrict the creation of attractive bundled travel and tourism packages aimed at promoting visitation and spending during the Games. This concern arises as tourism groups plan bundled ticket packages to boost travel between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, leveraging the Games as a key attraction.
Timothy Chui Ting-pong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, has expressed concerns about a "mismatch" between Greater Bay Area tourist groups' short-notice travel habits and the time needed to arrange tour packages for the National Games. He believes that more flexible ticket sales and tourism product options are necessary for the National Games.
Yeung Sai-hing, general manager of culture, sport and tourism centre at China Travel Service, the designated offline ticket seller for Hong Kong events during the National Games, has also mentioned a need for group tickets or packages. However, the organizing committee has not made any block bookings available for China Travel Service.
Currently, tickets for the National Games are mainly sold to individual travellers as separate tickets, which may not allow for coordination and design of tourism products that would allow people to visit events together. This could be particularly challenging for tour groups who prefer to travel and attend events as a group.
The concerns of the Hong Kong Tourism Association underscore the need for the National Games organizers to consider group ticket sales or packages. Such measures would not only help to cater to the needs of tour groups but also support local tourism operators who rely on group travel bookings linked to major events. Their ability to attract tourists through comprehensive packages depends on sufficient access to tickets at reasonable prices.
Ensuring fair and regulated ticket distribution is significant not only to prevent scalping but also to support local tourism operators. Adequate ticket allocation for travel groups would help to create a more vibrant and inclusive atmosphere during the National Games, benefiting both the tourism industry and the local economy.
In summary, the concern is that restrictive ticket allocations for travel groups will constrain tourism products that are important for maximizing the National Games' positive economic and promotional impact on Hong Kong’s tourism sector. The Hong Kong Tourism Association is urging the National Games organizers to consider the needs of tour groups when planning ticket sales and tourism products to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
- The Hong Kong Tourism Association expresses the need for the National Games organizers to consider group ticket sales or packages, as these measures could help to cater to the needs of tour groups and support local tourism operators.
- Adequate ticket allocation for travel groups would help to create a more vibrant and inclusive atmosphere during the National Games, benefiting both the tourism industry and the local economy, and is crucial for maximizing the National Games' positive economic and promotional impact on Hong Kong’s tourism sector.
