An International Meeting Place

Hong Kong welcomes 10 million visitors a year, of which around 30% come for business – attending trade shows, conferences and meetings. We are at the heart of the world’s fastest growing market for information technology, fashion, industrial equipment, financial products, fine art and a host of other products and services. We create the perfect exhibiting environment, and attract hundreds of thousands of buyers a year from all over the world.

Hong Kong has developed an enviable track record as the host city to major events, and mega events are booked through the year 2005. It hosted the IMF – World Bank Meeting in 1997 with 14,000 delegates and, each week, events ranging from specialised academic conferences, corporate meetings and incentive movements to major fairs are held.

Hotels

Hong Kong's hotels are, quite simply, some of the best in Asia. All of the major international hotel chains are represented, a number of them with more than one establishment. Rivalling these are the local and regional hotel groups, two of which have "flagship" properties in Hong Kong that rank among the world's most famous and highly rated hotels. Luxury hotels offer high standards of excellence and a wide range of choices. Many smaller hotels specialise in "family style" hospitality at extremely competitive rates. Finally, there are guesthouses and hostels to satisfy the budget-conscious traveller.

By combining the best of Eastern service with the latest in Western amenities, Hong Kong's hotels have achieved an excellence that is impressively by any standard. Moreover, almost without exception, the hotels are located just where you want to be - in the downtown areas amidst the city's famous shopping, dining and entertainment centres. In short, right at the heart of the action. For travellers seeking a more relaxed holiday, there is a growing number of hotels in the New Territories, offering a suburban setting and providing a wide range of recreational facilities. Altogether there are about 33,900 rooms and there's bound to be a hotel room that's right for you. And whichever one you choose, you'll be within easy reach of the fascinating attractions and the people that make Hong Kong the City of Life.

Profile of Hong Kong

Geography

Hong Kong was a collection of fishing villages when claimed as a crown colony by Britain in 1841. At that time it was described as a "barren rock", much to the amusement of today's property barons. More than 70 per cent of Hong Kong's total area is rural, including about 40 per cent designated as protected country parks. This means Hong Kong has one of the world's highest ratios of designated parkland.

Climate

Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate of mild springs, hot and often wet summers, clear and sunny autumns and cool, dry winters

Language & Population

English and Chinese are Hong Kong's official languages. Cantonese is the most widely spoken of the Chinese dialects, although Mandarin is also popular. English is the language of the business and service industries throughout the city. Hong Kong's population of more than 6.9 million, 96 percent of whom are ethnic Chinese, is highly educated and many people are bilingual.

Entry Formalities

Hong Kong is visa-free to people from more than 170 countries. Visitors who do require visas will find that their applications are processed quickly. Similarly, Hong Kong's free port advantage gives maximum convenience to business enterprises while safeguarding health and security. Exhibition materials and samples are subject to minimal customs restrictions.

Communications

Hong Kong has a well developed telecommunications infrastructure which provides easy access to a variety of international telecommunications services. Electronic mail and database access services are widely used. International Direct Dial (IDD) and facsimile services cover most countries and Hong Kong's digital network ensures clear and fast coverage, both locally and internationally..

Transportation

There is a wide range of transportation on offer. Limousine hire is easily arranged through hotels or travel agents. Taxis are abundant and flag fall and route charges are clearly shown on metres. Two rail systems are accessible from most parts of Hong Kong. Ferries provide access to parts of the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Public bus companies and private minibus operate throughout Hong Kong and charter buses for tour groups can easily be arranged.