A blueprint to lessen the impact of the Sars outbreak on Hong Kong exhibition organisers was unveiled yesterday by an industry group. The plan, from the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Organisers and Suppliers Association, included measures to attract international buyers to trade fairs in the territory and suggestions to help exhibition organisers facing financial difficulties. The proposal was expected to be submitted to Financial Secretary Antony Leung Kam-chung next week after discussions with association members, according to chairman Stanley Chu. The measures include an advertising campaign to promote Hong Kong exhibitions as well as incentives such as cash coupons and travel and hotel accommodation special offers for buyers. The blueprint also proposes a 'dollar for dollar' programme in which for every $1 spent by the association on an advertising campaign, the government would spend an additional $1. The association suggested the government extend its small and medium export marketing fund - designated for Hong Kong firms participating in export promotion activities - to companies organising trade fairs. Mr Chu said the blueprint was based on the assumption the World Health Organisation would lift its travel warning late this month or early next month. The association suggested the campaign to attract international buyers should start in September. 'The exhibition industry has been hard hit by the impact of the Sars crisis,' Mr Chu said. He said the industry was estimated to have already lost $700 million, or 50 per cent of its average annual revenue, with more than 10 trade fairs postponed to the second half of the year. According to the consultancy firm Business Strategies Group, the exhibition industry made a net $7.3 billion direct and indirect contribution to the Hong Kong economy last year.
