The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced a landmark collaboration between the city’s tourism and telecom industries when it officially launched the Hong Kong Mobile Host service on July 27. This tourist information service, which brings together the HKTB and local mobile network operators 3 Hong Kong, CSL, New World Mobility, PEOPLES and SUNDAY, is designed to provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy an in-depth appreciation of Hong Kong’s multi-faceted attractions via their mobile phones - anytime, anywhere.

Speaking at the press conference, HKTB Executive Director Clara Chong expressed her great appreciation for the cooperative effort of mobile operators in this cross-industry partnership.  She added that the launch of the Hong Kong Mobile Host service demonstrates the pro-active support of Hong Kong’s telecom sector to the city’s tourism industry, in a joint effort with the HKTB to enhance visitors’ destination experience.

Chong continued: “We have seen a growing trend towards independent travel worldwide, supported by the results of HKTB’s own surveys.  In fact, 85% of overnight visitors to Hong Kong made their own travel arrangements, and 75% of overnight arrivals used their mobile phones while in Hong Kong.  The Mobile Host service meets the increasing demand from independent travelers for an enhanced, activity-based travel experience and a better understanding of Hong Kong as a destination.”

With the new service, visitors can access up-to-date, tailor-made tourist information in a convenient and cost-efficient manner.  Information includes on-the-spot commentaries on key attractions, hot shopping offers, dining recommendations and major events.  Introductions to the two key attractions of Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) and Po Lin Monastery are also specially provided by LKF founder Allan Zeman, and Po Lin Abbot, the Venerable Chi Wai.

      Visitors can choose to purchase a three-day pass, which offers unlimited audio access to the service using a roaming SIM-Card without incurring any additional charges, or dial up on a call-by-call basis at prevailing airtime rates.  The Hong Kong Mobile Host service is available in audio with English, Putonghua and Cantonese languages, as well as text (via WAP) format.

The HKTB strongly encourages local residents to make full use of this new service as well to learn more about the city and play a part in promoting Hong Kong.
——-