HKTB, UnionPay jointly launch tourism promotional program in HK

The Hong Kong Tourism Board ( HKTB) and China UnionPay Co Ltd (UnionPay) officially launched the UnionPay Discover Hong Kong Club promotional program.

The joint initiative, which signifies enhanced co-operation between the two organizations to develop the China travel market, is designed to encourage repeat visits and spending by the Chinese mainland visitors in Hong Kong.

Officiating at Monday's launch ceremony were HKTB Chairperson Selina Chow, HKTB Executive Director Clara Chong, President of China UnionPay Co Ltd Wan Jianhua and the company's Vice President of International Group Huang Xinghai.

Joining them were representatives of various supporting organizations.

The UnionPay Discover Hong Kong Club accepts applications by China UnionPay cardholders. Once their applications have been approved, members can enjoy a range of welcome privileges by attraction and transport operators, and ongoing offers by more than 1,700 local merchant outlets.

They can also earn bonus points when shopping at designated merchant outlets, and redeem the points for special privileges at different attractions and outlets prior to or during their visits to Hong Kong.

To introduce these offers and the redemption procedures, as well as Hong Kong's new attractions and travel updates, a dedicated web site on the Club will be set up.

HKTB Chairman Selina Chow said that the HKTB has spared no efforts to collaborate with the mainland travel trade.

"Together with local trade partners, we introduced various creative and cost-effective marketing initiatives to maintain the growth momentum of the mainland arrivals," she remarked.

"In 2005, three quarters of Chinese mainland travelers visited Hong Kong more than once. The UnionPay Discover Hong Kong Club will give them even more reasons to come to our city. It will enable us to implement more targeted promotions to reach the identified and high-potential segments," she said.

China UnionPay President Wan Jianhua said that the UnionPay Discover Hong Kong Club, which capitalizes on the HKTB's 2006 Discover Hong Kong Year campaign, will be mutually beneficial to both the HKTB and China UnionPay.

Wan said, "by making use of our extensive local merchant network and the UnionPay's bonus point system, we'll be able to encourage more Chinese mainland visitors to come to Hong Kong, and use the UnionPay card for their spending. This will in turn help sustain the continuous development of Hong Kong's tourism industry. "

Leveraging on the platform created by the UnionPay Discover Hong Kong Club, the HKTB and China UnionPay will introduce attractive offers and privileges for members at different times of the year and during the Mega Event periods, such as the 2006 Hong Kong Shopping Festival, the National Day Golden Week and Hong Kong WinterFest, giving members greater incentives to visit and spend in Hong Kong.

The HKTB and China UnionPay have been working closely together since 2004 to promote Hong Kong among Chinese mainland travelers. Through the extensive customer base of China UnionPay, the HKTB has been publicizing its Mega Events, such as the Hong Kong Shopping Festival. And to promote the HKTB's Quality Tourism Services (QTS) scheme, UnionPay cardholders are offered special discounts at selected QTS-accredited merchants.

Source: Xinhua