The additional $150 million earmarked in the 2008-09 Budget will be used to offer one-stop customised support for convention and exhibition organisers and boost promotion, the Steering Committee on Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions says.

The steering committee, chaired by Financial Secretary John Tsang, held its third meeting today to discuss the Tourism Board's work plan to attract more high quality and mega convention and exhibition projects to Hong Kong.

According to the plan, the additional funding will be used to upgrade the existing website into a dedicated standalone one designed for clients. Campaigns targeting overseas convention and exhibition organisers and industry will be launched to bolster Hong Kong's image as the premier destination for meetings, conventions and exhibitions.

Details will be drawn up regarding the provision of one-stop professional supporting services - including overseas promotion and travel product offers to individual convention and exhibition organisers.

To maximise the synergy of overseas promotions, the steering committee gave its support to the Tourism Commission in convening an alliance group with the Tourism Board, Trade Development Council, InvestHK and overseas Hong Kong Economic & Trade Offices to co-ordinate related joint promotion work to attract more conventions and exhibitions to Hong Kong.

The alliance group and its members will keep close contact with the trade organisations and leaders of the sector to keep track of market needs and draw up related marketing directions.

The committee also liased with related department and institutes to provide more training for the employees and future job seekers.

New courses on offer

The Employees Retraining Board will launch vocational training courses such as exhibition stand building in the second quarter of this year. It will also offer more short-term courses, including stage building, events management, logistics and catering next year.

The Education Bureau has revised the "Travel &Tourism" curriculum in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination as part of the "3+3+4" education reform. The new curriculum with more market-oriented elements will be introduced in September 2009.