“Travelling is not just about leisure and consumption but can become a force for good with meaningful community impact,” This is the inspiring theme of Our Hong Kong Foundation’s (OHKF) Insight Forum held earlier, titled “Beyond Borders – Redefining Travel for Meaningful Impact.”

Keynote Speaker, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Klook Mr Eric Gnock Fah retraced his founding story, shared his views on the global travel trend, and discussed how travel has been redefined for personal growth and community impact. He unveiled his insights into how travel could become a force for good and discussed how the potential of travel could enrich not only travelers but also the destinations they visit.

Eric pointed out, “Experiences had replaced shopping as the new currency of travel. Looking back at pre-COVID Hong Kong, shopping dominated the tourism landscape. The discovery of new destination and experiences on social media is changing the way people think about travel.” The fireside chat was hosted by Deloitte China Strategy and Economic Advisory Partner Mr Alvis Kong, who stated that “The next-generation tourism lies at the heart of the convergence of retail and tourist attractions, centered on deepening the emotional connection through unique experience in Hong Kong”.

In his opening remarks, OHKF Chairman Mr Bernard Chan said, “This year has seen a significant resurgence of signature events, which have played a pivotal role in revitalising our tourism in Hong Kong.” He continued and indicated, “We must improve and develop campaigns that will individually resonate with both the Mainland and international audiences and reflect the beauty, diversity, and dynamism that Hong Kong has to offer.”

Guest of Honour, Commissioner for Tourism of Tourism Commission, HKSAR Government Ms Vivian Sum officiated the event and stated, “Hong Kong’s diverse tourism offerings fit well with sustainable tourism development. Our East-meets-West heritage has made us unique as a tourist destination.”

In concluding the chat session, Deloitte China Vice Chair and Government & Public Services Leader Dr Norman Sze stated, “It is critical to build new content beyond the tourism industry, including culture, retail, commercial, sports, and events sectors, through the integration of such an ecosystem, so as to redefine a meaningful experience for different personas of tourists."

OHKF President Dr Jane Lee closed the Forum and expressed that, “Dramatic changes faced by the tourism industry have been much related to change in tourist behaviour and so we need to rebrand ourselves with a change mindset as tourism is not just related to consumer's massive retail behaviour but expenditures in events, sports, arts and culture, medical and even education.”

The Forum received strong support from Supporting Organisations including Hong Kong Tourism Board, Cyberport Startup Alumni Association, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, HKU iCube, Hong Kong United Youth Association, and Hong Kong General Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs. Deloitte is the venue sponsor.