Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong (MEHK) has announced a revolutionary upgrade of its MICE hospitality programme ‘Hong Kong Rewards!’ in its efforts to continue to lure high quality MICE business to the city in 2017. The new 2017/18 Hong Kong Rewards! programme will take effect on April 1, 2017. This year the programme will have a lower threshold to accommodate smaller groups and includes a wealth of experiential rewards that offer one of a kind insights into Hong Kong lifestyle and encourage MICE travellers to enjoy the city like a local. The programme plays off the recent launch of the HKTB’s “Best of all. It’s in Hong Kong” brand campaign.
In 2016 MEHK introduced the benefit of a free cocktail reception for groups of 50 or more delegates. 47 hotels participate in this program and offer the reception for groups staying two nights or more. This valuable offering will continue in 2017/18. And this year they are launching even more elements that can be added to MICE programs to enhance the delegate experience.
For example, MEHK and Hong Kong Disneyland are offering dining and shopping offers and events exclusively for meeting, convention and incentive groups. Qualified MICE groups of 50 or more will be treated to a complimentary dinner at designated restaurants in the park, plus selected shopping vouchers to maximize the magic moments of their group experience at Hong Kong Disneyland, the first Disney theme park to feature the Marvel-themed ride Iron Man Experience, which opened on 11 January 2017.
Also, MEHK and the Hong Kong Jockey Club are offering all groups a new party experience called Happy Wednesday at the world renown Happy Valley Racetrack. Qualified MICE groups with 20 to 700 delegates will have free access to the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Happy Wednesday theme party at the Beer Garden, where they will be treated to free food and beer with the backdrop of thrilling horse racing, great live music and themed carnivals.
For delegates who prefer a more private and prestigious horse-racing experience, Adrenaline, a stylish lounge in the HKJC’s Happy Valley racecourse, is available for private group hire, as are the Jockey Club’s private event venues, where groups can hold a Night at the Races themed cocktail and dinner events overlooking the action.
“In 2016, worldwide overnight MICE arrivals to Hong Kong were up 9.9% year on year,” said Bill Flora, Director, United States. “Long-haul markets were strong, like the U.S. which was up 20%. To continue the growth momentum and respond to changing global meeting trends, indicating an increasing number of small- to medium-size groups, MEHK has worked closely with industry partners to enhance value-added hospitality offers to drive MICE arrivals in 2017. We will introduce three star offers and extend some of the most sought-after offers to smaller groups.”
These new program elements compliment the already strong offers or products, privileges and services always offered as part of the Hong Kong Rewards program; from arrival to departure, from free airport pick-up and airport welcome messages to famous Hong Kong cultural performances to a shopping discounts. In addition to the Three Star Offers mentioned above, attractions such as Ocean Park Hong Kong, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong and a couple of other seaside and sky-high attractions can ensure a rewarding experience for every kind of event and MICE group with special offers for Reward program participants.
In addition to the newly enhanced rewards program, MEHK also offers one-stop professional support and advisory services for all MICE planners through their international network offices that can be located through their website, www.mehongkong.com.