HONG KONG saw a major rebound from longhaul markets in September, according to Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) figures.
Total arrivals for September hit 829,541 - 13 per cent up on September 1998. The cumulative figure reached 7.7 million, representing a growth rate of 11.2 per cent.
Visitors from longhaul markets increased. Arrivals from Europe, Africa and the Middle East increased by 9.2 per cent, while arrivals from the Americas were up by 8.9 per cent. Arrivals from Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific rose by 13.8 per cent.
Shorthaul markets continued to perform well, with a 22.9 per cent growth from south and southeast Asia. Mainland China and north Asia were up by 15.1 per cent and 7.6 per cent respectively.
Apart from Japan, individual regional markets all showed double-digit growth. There were no indications that the earthquake in Taiwan had much impact on outbound traffic, as the number of visitors from Taiwan reached 156,261, a growth of 15.6 per cent.
The results prompted the HKTA to adjust its 1999 forecast to 10.4 million visitor arrivals.
Memorable Malaysia
FOR easy reference and to position Malaysia as a 'top-of-mind' destination, the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) will adopt the "Tourism Malaysia" name in all its local and overseas promotions. The name will also be used in all MTPB offices in Malaysia and oversea.
Second Seoul property
INTER-CONTINENTAL has opened its second hotel in Seoul. The COEX Inter-Continental Seoul opened November 1.
The 654-room property is linked to the World Trade Centre and the COEX convention and exhibition centre.
Gotta get connected
THE ever-increasing demand for in-room connectivity is proving to be lucrative for Philippines-based Maginet.
The company, whose services range from providing Internet TV to laptop connections, has recently signed contracts to equip the Stamford Plaza in Auckland and the Grand Formosa Regent, Taipei. The company says that Internet connection is becoming a 'standard' requirement for hotel visitors.