‘Hong Kong Super Fans’ to boost the city’s tourism recovery

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) recently announced its first global fan-engagement program, Hong Kong Super Fans, to speed up its promotional efforts as part of the post-COVID-19 tourism-recovery plan it has been developing over the past year.

At a time of unprecedented restrictions on international travel, and as the world races to roll out vaccines hoping to resume normality, the HKTB is harnessing the power of community to remind people why they love Hong Kong and to drum up excitement about visiting the city once borders reopen.

“The HKTB has been planning ahead to prepare for the much-anticipated grand invitation to welcome visitors back to Hong Kong,” said Dr YK Pang, Chairman of the HKTB.

“The ‘Hong Kong Super Fans’ program is both an important, integral element of the HKTB’s recovery plan, and a way for us to show our appreciation to the people whose continued passion for Hong Kong has maintained top-of-mind awareness of the city as a world-class travel destination.”

• 

• 

Hong Kong Super Fans, including Roshan Melwani of Sam’s Tailor (left) and Yoon Sun Kim, former editor of Design House (right), appear in traditional snack store Yiu Fung to share their favorite ways to spend Chinese New Year in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Super Fans from 20 key markets

In its latest program, the HKTB has invited Super Fans—people with social influence and a heartfelt connection to Hong Kong—to take part in exclusive online and offline activities that have been designed to showcase the best the city offers.

Once international travel is allowed again, these Super Fans will be invited to explore Hong Kong in all its glory, from heritage attractions to hidden local gems and exciting new happenings, and share their experiences with their audience (Fans & Friends).

To show its appreciation, the HKTB has also organized a series of attractive offers and incentives that can be enjoyed by all Fans & Friends of Hong Kong.

The HKTB has been recruiting Super Fans by invitation in Hong Kong and 20 key markets through the HKTB’s worldwide offices in Asia, Australasia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.

Virtual tour for the first Super Fans

This week saw the launch of the program’s debut activity—a virtual tour celebrating everything unique about ringing in Chinese New Year in Hong Kong—organized especially for the very first Super Fans.

• 

• 

The virtual tour takes on a Chinese New Year theme and brings participants on a journey to Old Town Central, with visits to popular attractions including Man Mo Temple (left) and Upper Lascar Row (right).

The “online + offline” journey takes the Super Fans through the charismatic neighborhood of Old Town Central to experience cherished traditions and shop for auspicious essentials, while enjoying a pre-delivered “Good Fortune Bag” filled with lucky ornaments, festive snacks and more, from the comfort of their own homes.

“As the HKTB continues to leverage the Holiday at Home campaign to encourage the people of Hong Kong to rediscover our hometown, the ‘Hong Kong Super Fans’ program is the first major step to re-engage with passionate travellers across the globe,” adds Dr Pang.

“As borders begin to reopen, we will roll out our Open House Hong Kong campaign to tell the world that Hong Kong is ready to embrace visitors again with a collection of competitive travel offers and exciting in-town experiences.”

All images: credit to Hong Kong Tourism Board

For more travel news, events and promotions, click here.

Looking for travel ideas and inspiration? Click here.