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The Steering Committee on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) chaired by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, held its second meeting today (November 29) to discuss a coordinated strategy in promoting the development of the MICE industry and to take stock of the progress on the Government・s actions for improving Hong Kong's MICE infrastructure.
Mr Tsang said:：Members have offered useful advice on proposed strategies to step up our current marketing efforts to promote Hong Kong as a destination for hosting MICE events. The Government will follow up with members and the trade to work out a comprehensive strategic model in respect of pre-/during/post-event marketing efforts for MICE events.
"Given that many parties are now involved in different ways in promoting Hong Kong・s MICE services, we will also examine how to maximise synergy among them,； he said.
On mega events, Mr Tsang told the meeting that the Government is actively seeking to bring more major international events to Hong Kong and has obtained support from the Central People・s Government for Hong Kong to host several international conventions in the coming few years.
There will be the World Ophthalmology Congress 2008 and the Orient and Southeast Asian Lions Forum 2008. The Government is also actively following up on the Asian Aerospace International Expo and Congress in 2009 and the hosting of the 2011 International Olympic Committee Session in Hong Kong.
At today・s meeting, members also discussed ways to improve facilities for cultural performances and entertainment activities with a view to strengthening Hong Kong・s appeal as an international MICE capital.
On retaining and nurturing talent, the Tourism Commission organised a MICEMan Workshop last week with good participation from industry leaders and representatives from training institutes. Fruitful suggestions resulting from the discussion will be followed up, the meeting noted.
Ends/Thursday, November 29, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:41
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