On 15 April 2024, we had the privilege of meeting with the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; Commissioner for Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum, the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr Dane Cheng and his team.   Our Federation was led by our Vice Chairman, Ms Belinda Yeung and Management Committee Member Ms Paddy Lui.  The Hon Perry Yiu played a crucial role convening this important dialogue between the tourism trades and the government. 

Our trade presented our appeal letter of concerns and objection to the re-imposition of Hotel Accommodation Tax.  We highlighted its potential negative impact on the hotel industry, tourism, and the overall economy.  

Furthermore, we focused on the government's Mega Event initiatives and how to strengthening the co-ordination mechanism and the measurement and effectiveness of mega events.  We shared insights and suggestions on how these initiatives could be further enhanced to maximize their economic effect, attracting both domestic and international visitors and increasing their spending within our city.   

The government officials and representatives present at the meeting were attentive to our concerns and suggestions. They acknowledged the importance of the hotel industry and its vital role in driving tourism and economic growth. They expressed their commitment to taking our views into consideration and working towards mutually beneficial solutions. 

Moving forward, we will continue to engage with the government and relevant stakeholders. We will actively participate in future discussions and provide ongoing input to shape policies and initiatives that support the recovery and sustainable growth of the hotel and tourism sectors. 

Should you have any further input, suggestions, or questions regarding our advocacy efforts or the meeting outcomes, please do not hesitate to reach out. We value your input and collaboration as we work together to strengthen the hotel trade and promote the growth of tourism in Hong Kong.