Adventurous Hongkongers are heading off to exotic locations, but the mainland remains the number one destination
The mysteries of some of the world's poorer nations, and Latin America's unique culture, have attracted countless Hong Kong holidaymakers to spend time and money visiting these new destinations, according to the organiser of ITE and the third MICE, Business & Incentive Travel Expo, which opens at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre tomorrow and runs until Sunday.
The mainland is the biggest participant with 90 stands at the exhibition. There are 40 pavilions, and more than half of these are from Africa, the United States, Europe and the Middle East. New exhibitors are from Cyprus, Britain, Indonesia, Romania and South Africa.
'This trend started to develop three years ago,' said Tong Kam-shing, managing director of TKS Exhibition Services, one of the event organisers.
'Hong Kong people love to see and explore new destinations and, after travelling all over China, many enjoy going outside the mainland,' he said.
Mr Tong said the United Nations World Tourism Organisation's World Tourism Barometer ranked Hong Kong 14th in its survey on international tourism expenditure in 2006, showing that Hongkongers could afford more expensive outbound tours.