BERLIN, GERMANY - MediaOutReach - 18 September 2018 - Hong Kongnamed World's 10^th largest market by total outbound spending in 2016^(*1),but ranked top among world's 10 largest markets by capita, and spendingcontinues! 

In 2017, Hong Kong spent US$25.5 billion on international tourism, up5.8%; More visited destinations like Japan (up 21.3% to 2.23 million), Thailand (up 9.5% to820,000), and Australia (up 13.8% to 282,100). Outbound package tour in firstsix months of 2018 grew 14.8% ^(*2) !

In survey on public visitors of  ITE Hong Kong 2018, the city'sonly travel fair which collected over 3000 replies, 84% prefer traveling in FIT or privatetours!

Totaling 90055 in two days, ITE'spublic visitors are mature (67% aged between 35 and 64) ; and welleducated (university 42% & post secondary 32%) ! Many have multipleholidays in past year - 13% had six or more holidays, 44% had three to five,40% had one to two, and only 2.5% no holiday.

Their outlook positive: 49%spending more in next 12 months, 27% maintaining and only 5% reducespending! On destinations to visit within next two years, 54% picked East andNorth-east Asia, 42% South & South-east Asia, and 39% Europe etc.

They enjoy theme travel too! Forexamples, Culture & Historical, Gourmet Tour, Cruise, Eco-tourism andOutdoor each drew over 30% positive responses etc.

Tech savvy and likely Englishspeaking, 60% prefer book online directly with suppliers like airline andhotel, and 19% interest in joining tour at destination. Coincidentally, 63%interest in booking holiday and 55% attending seminar in ITE. Sorealistic for foreign sellers dealing directly with Hong Kong Affluent FIT !  

Combining leisure and MICE travels,ITE Hong Kong 2018 was attended by 666 exhibitors (87% from abroad and China)with some 180 present MICE products; and in two trade days which requireregistration for admission, 12460 buyers and visitors with 73% from Hong Kongand 21% from mainland China; while by sectors 6580 from travel agents oroperators and 2567 MICE or corporations.

Organized by TKS Exhibition ServicesLtd., ITE Hong Kong 2019 will be held from June 13 to 16 at the Hong KongConvention & Exhibition Centre. Detail & enquiry: www.itehk.com or travel@tkshk.com.

Notes:  *1 UNWTO World TourismBarometer March 2017