The Hong Kong Tourism Board has announced a year-long concession scheme for its travel trade partners who join in its promotions, starting January 1.

The scheme aims to help cut the partners' marketing expenses, while allowing the board to step up efforts to help them launch promotions in the Mainland and overseas.

Board chairman James Tien noted the global financial crisis has dealt a major blow to the tourism and related industries. He said the board has already set aside $21 million from its reserve for these concessionary measures.

"Through these measures, we hope to reduce trade partners' marketing expenses, while encouraging them to participate in our promotions for long-term development of business," he said.

Partners in the leisure travel, conventions and exhibitions, and cruise travel trade will enjoy more than half-off on fees for joining the tourism board's booths at travel trade shows around the world, and overseas travel missions the board organises.

Fees re-invested in promoting HK 

The fees the board collects will be reinvested into marketing activities to publicise Hong Kong and its travel trade before and during the events. The number of travel missions planned in 2009 will increase from six to 12, covering emerging markets such as India, the Middle East and Russia.

Quality Tourism Services scheme merchants will also benefit. In 2009, the tourism board will waive the certification renewal fee for existing members, while offering 50% off on the application fee for new members.