TTGassociations Publications January 2019 | Page 19

A more affordable
Hong Kong
If mainstream convention centres are too
expensive, consider unique ones such
as the Jao Tsung-I Academy which has
spaces for rent
accommodation relief for “secondary
meeting delegates”, opined Connexus
Travel’s managing director, Gloria
Slethaug, who defined this segment of
attendees as students or attendees from
“lower income” countries.
Slethaug noted that most associa-
Destination China’s general manager,
tions tended not to include mid-scale
Gunther Homerlein, said that while these hotels in their official accommodation
properties are not in prime locations
options, out of consideration of event
– such as within walking distance of
brand positioning. “Fortunately, more
convention centres – they offer cost-con-
association chiefs and meeting planners
scious meeting delegates more affordable
are now willing to exercise flexibility
accommodation options that are still sup- and be innovative with options to offset
ported by Hong Kong’s convenient public pricier operating costs.
transport system.
“For instance, planners are now
While a good Destination Management using technology to replace printed
Company (DMC) would help associations materials and signage, reducing the du-
secure better rates from suppliers, Ivy
ration of meetings and plenary sessions,
Sung, managing director of Faces of Hong simplifying menus and have more dine-
Kong, said the growing supply of mid-
arounds to improve attendees’ network-
scale hotels has helped to generate more
ing opportunities – all of which help to
competitive rates in the marketplace.
cut operating costs,” she said.
“As well, with the decrease in visitor-
What mid-scale hotels cannot do
ship from China, hotels and meeting ven- though, is to provide meeting venues
ues here in Hong Kong are working harder for cost-conscious associations.
to (get business from elsewhere), Sung
Momentous Asia Travel & Events
added, painting a pro-buyer scenario.
general manager, Doris Lam, said “only
Mid-scale hotels also provide critical
five-star hotels or Hong Kong Conven-
The growing supply of mid-scale hotels and unique
venues is helping Hong Kong to finally be more
approachable for association events. By Prudence Lui
W
hen consultancy Mercer
sought to rank Asia’s most
expensive city for expatri-
ates, based on the costs
of 200 common expenses, including
accommodation, transport, clothes, food,
entertainment and gas, it found Hong
Kong topping the annual list in 2018.
Hong Kong’s reputation as an expen-
sive city for business travel and activities
is nothing new. But what is refreshing is
change creeping into place, as the grow-
ing presence of mid-scale hotels, interest-
ing off-site venues and catering suppliers
make the destination more affordable.
In recent years, Hong Kong has
welcomed a slew of homegrown and in-
ternational mid-tier hotel brands such as
Hotel COZi, Penta, Holiday Inn Express,
Dorsett and Hilton Garden Inn. These are
scattered around downtown and the New
Territories.