FILIPINOS who love to shop abroad know that the best time to go to Hong Kong is July, because that’s when it holds its annual sale. For years, inveterate shoppers had the annual routine of booking flights and hotels months in advance.
In 2014, over 650,000 Filipinos traveled to HK.
Simon Wong, Hong Kong Tourism Board’s regional director for Southeast Asia, said that the Philippines led the region in terms of tourist arrivals. It was followed by Singapore and Malaysia, with Thailand and India bringing in the rear.
This year, the Hong Kong Tourist Board (HKTB) has a summer campaign from June 15 to Aug. 31 that treats visitors to raffle prizes the moment they land at Hong Kong International Airport.
The “Instant Mega Draw” entitles visitors to treats such as free Wi-Fi passes, designer watches, spending credits worth HK$1,000, cruise trips, and admission to different attractions and dining vouchers.
Shop Eat Play
The campaign consists of three segments—Shop Eat Play. “We wanted to expand the summer campaign, from just shopping to include dining options and other Hong Kong attractions,” Wong said.
Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out, given Hong Kong’s wide range of cuisines.
“There are a lot of things to do aside from shopping, like visiting the different theme parks and attractions like trips to Madame Tussauds, The Peak, Sky 100 and the Observation Deck at the IFC building,” Wong said.
Visitors will be given a Shop Eat Play VIP Card at the airport upon arrival that they can use to enjoy exclusive offers from malls, restaurants, hotels and attractions across the city.
“We have three 3D museums or Trick Eye Museums that are popular with visitors who immediately upload their pictures on Instagram and Facebook,” Wong said.
Upon their departure, visitors who fill out and drop their VIP Card in the collection boxes can participate in the draw where 10 winners will get a luxurious, pampering trip back to HK valued at HK$300,000. The trip includes business class flights, a Vertu mobile phone, limousine pick-up services, five-star hotel accommodations, a helicopter ride, spa treatments, a meal at a Michelin-star restaurant and HK$50,000 shopping money.
“Hong Kong Summer Fun is the biggest HKTB promotion in recent years. The scale has resulted in partnerships with hotels, airlines, and entertainment and lifestyle brands. All of these have been done to indulge our visitors and enrich their experiences this summer,” HKTB chair Dr. Peter Lam said in a statement.
For more details, visit DiscoverHongKong.com.