Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1010018
Destination Hong Kong 34 JUL-AUG 2018 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS MCMAG-ASIA.COM The combined 32nd International Travel Exhibition and 13th MICE Travel Exhibition took place at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in June, attracting an estimated 12,000 trade and MICE visitors, and 90,000 public visitors. A clear indication of how fast the MICE industry is evolving was epitomised at the HKTB Hong Kong pavilion, entirely fronted by cruise companies. The two trade days were particularly signi cant for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's (RCL) head of marketing, Phoebe Tam. "We want to connect with travel agents and corporate travel to expand the incentive and MICE travel for the cruise segment." She described groups on board bene ting from a one-stop-shop, all- inclusive pricing, hassle-free alternative, with built-in accommodation, dining, complementary activities for team Hong Kong's cruise industry charts new waves. building, function rooms and the grand theatre with groups over 4,500 able to charter the entire ship. Voyager of the Seas will be homeporting in Hong Kong in July and August (ahead of RCL's plans for Hong Kong homeporting a new ship end 2018) and dates are already being booked by MICE groups. Dream Cruises is also partnering with HKTB to facilitate this new 'MICE at Sea' trend, with World Dream already homeporting here. "Meeting planners are looking for more creative and value- driven options and appreciate how much there is to do on this oating resort," says Thatcher Brown, president. "Our team will be creating compelling programmes, incentives, dining and enrichment speakers ideal for locally based groups or those y- or rail-cruising in for a two- night intro or ve-night itinerary. Full- ship or half-ship charters are options, as are day-only, in-port product launches." Cruise lines take front and centre at major travel expo WORDS CATHARINE NICOL Time to cruise "We want to connect with travel agents and corporate travel to expand the incentive and MICE travel for the cruise segment." PHOEBE TAM, HEAD OF MARKETING, ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINE ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINE