Hotels and event organisers are cautiously optimistic that Mice business will expand based on the first green shoots of growth being seen across the Asia-Pacific.
About 500,000 Mice visitors arrived in Hong Kong in the first two quarters of this year, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board. This is a growth of about 2 per cent compared with the first six months of last year.
Tourism Board general manager of Mice and cruise Gilly Wong attributed the increase to a balanced Mice portfolio in Hong Kong.
'The drop in meetings and incentives was compensated by moderate growth from the convention and exhibition segments, especially from the mainland in attending international conventions and exhibitions staged in Hong Kong.
'The mainland continued to be the largest source market among many regions. Despite the impact of the economic downturn and the spread of swine flu, Hong Kong has still successfully staged a number of conventions and exhibitions in the first six months of this year.
'The exhibition industry is traditionally more resilient even in times of adversity, and conventions generally stick to the planned schedule even if attendance levels drops. According to the Tourism Board, more than 70 major conventions and exhibitions will be held in Hong Kong in the second half of this year.'