Mr. Pote Sakuntalak, Manager, Trade Marketing Thailand of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (Thailand), highlighted Hong Kong’s continued status as a top tourist destination. From January to July 2024, over 25 million visitors arrived, marking a 52.2% year-on-year growth. Thailand contributed 322,590 visitors during this period, a 44.5% increase. Thailand now ranks second among ASEAN countries for visitors to Hong Kong, following the Philippines. The Hong Kong Tourism Board anticipates Thai tourist numbers will reach 550,000 by year-end, nearing 2018’s pre-pandemic levels of 571,606, despite flight capacity being at 85%.
Hong Kong remains a vibrant hub of activity for global tourists. The upcoming Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2024, running from October 23 to 27 at Central Harbourfront, will feature over 300 booths with international cuisine, drinks, live performances, and workshops. This event also promotes reducing plastic use, encouraging participants to bring their own cups for beverages. The festival will kick off the month-long “Taste Around Town” celebration, with special promotions at restaurants and bars across the city throughout November. The Hong Kong Tourism Board anticipates welcoming more than 1,000 visitors from Thailand.
Miss Pattheera Anandchotiphatchara, Head of KTC World Travel Service and Airline Travel Marketing, emphasized KTC’s long-standing partnership with Hong Kong Tourism. “For over 16 years, KTC has been the exclusive credit card partner in Thailand, driving tourism through innovative marketing campaigns.” She added that Hong Kong is the second most popular destination for KTC members after Japan. On average, members spent 12,000 baht per person through KTC World Travel Service for trips to Hong Kong, marking a 12% year-on-year increase. From January to August 2024, 16,000 KTC members traveled to Hong Kong, reflecting a 55% growth year-over-year, with credit card spending by members in Hong Kong rising by 16%.
To celebrate the festival, KTC World Travel Service offers an exclusive package at 24,900 baht per person (limited to 20 couples). This includes round-trip flights from Bangkok to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific or Emirates, a 2-night stay at The Peninsula Hong Kong, inclusive of breakfast for two, and festival tickets with HK$400 in drink tokens per person. Booking is open from September 1 until October 15, 2024, for travel between October 22 and 29, 2024.
KTC members can elevate their experience with the Time to Fly: Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2024 service. By booking any Hong Kong travel products—including flights, hotels, transfers, attraction tickets, or train tickets—valued at 20,000 baht or more per transaction through KTC World Travel Service, members will enjoy an instant 800 baht discount. This exclusive offer is available for bookings made between September 1 and October 15, 2024, with travel dates from September 2 to October 29, 2024.
Exclusive for KTC VISA credit cardmembers: Enjoy complimentary global airport lounge access through DragonPass when booking any package or international flight via KTC World Travel Service between July 22 and November 30, 2024. This premium benefit is valid for travel from July 22, 2024, to January 3, 2025.
For more visit www.ktc.co.th. To apply for a KTC credit card, visit
https://ktc.today/apply-card or any KTC TOUCH branch.
Note: It is advisable for credit cardholders to use their cards responsibly and repay in full by the due date to avoid a 16% annual interest rate