Wednesday, March 19, 2025
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) joined forces with Exhibition Group and Plaza Premium Group to successfully orchestrate the PATA Power of Networking and Luncheon 2025. This significant gathering occurred on Thursday, February 20, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The event convened more than 20 influential figures from the travel and tourism sectors of Hong Kong SAR and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Attendees included notable representatives from the Tourism Commission, Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau, the Macao Government Tourism Office, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Shangri-La Group, Trip.com, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management, among others.
A keynote address from Ms. Angelina Cheung, JP, Commissioner for Tourism, HKSAR Government, was a focal point. She unveiled the “Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0,” a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering Hong Kong SAR as a top-tier global tourism hub by merging aspects of tourism with culture, sports, ecology, and large-scale events. Ms. Cheung also engaged in a fireside chat and an interactive question-and-answer session.
Mr. Soon-Hwa Wong, PATA Ambassador for Greater China, also graced the event, highlighting PATA’s dedication to its members in Hong Kong SAR and the GBA.
The luncheon seamlessly transitioned into the grand opening of the Hong Kong Holiday & Travel Expo 2025, a consumer-oriented exhibition featuring over 300 booths. The expo, spanning four days, broke previous records by attracting over 250,000 attendees, marking a 27% increase in visitor numbers from the last year.
Soon-Hwa Wong, PATA Ambassador for Greater China, stated, “The PATA Power of Networking event serves as a vital platform for industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and drive the future of travel and tourism across the Asia Pacific. With Hong Kong SAR’s strategic position as a global tourism hub, this event fosters meaningful connections among tourism stakeholders.”
He added, “PATA is proud to collaborate with Exhibition Group and Plaza Premium Group to strengthen public-private partnerships and ensure the continued growth and resilience of the tourism sector.”
Stephen SY Wong, Partner at Exhibition Group, said, “Today’s luncheon highlights the collaborative spirit essential for advancing Hong Kong’s tourism industry. We can learn a great deal from Angelina and the ‘Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0.’ Thank you to PATA for supporting and gathering like-minded individuals; it’s a valuable networking opportunity with industry professionals.”
Linda Song, Executive Director at Plaza Premium Group, said, “Our collaboration with PATA and Exhibition Group for the PATA Power of Networking Luncheon underscores our dedication to nurturing meaningful partnerships that propel the travel industry forward.”
She added, “Plaza Premium Group began its journey in Hong Kong 26 years ago. Since then, we have been expanding to align with the city’s growth in aviation and tourism, offering a diverse range of airport experiences, including lounges, restaurants, and premium passenger services. We look forward to being part of the next phase of growth and continuing to make travel better for everyone travelling through Hong Kong.”
