A bridge stretching across the Pearl River Delta and connecting Hong Kong with Zhuhai and neighbouring Macau is set to create a new, more integrated destination for conference, incentive and event planners. Though the completion date is not expected until 2017, two major players on either side of the delta have agreed to co-operate.
Enid Low, chief strategy officer at Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo Management, tells MIX how an agreement with Zhuhai International Convention & Exhibition Center, will benefit users of both venues, and the wider meetings and incentives industry.
MIX: What’s the idea behind AWE’s agreement with the centre in Zhuhai?
Enid Low: To strengthen the collaboration between neighbouring cities, the team at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) recently signed a partnership agreement with Zhuhai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (Zicec) in April. This signifies the strategic cooperation between the venues and will cement joint promotions in sales and marketing.
This will help us seek greater opportunities to deliver a total MICE solution in what will be a one-hour metropolis radius in the Pearl River Delta region, which will have an expected catchment area of more than 80 million people.
The collaboration will help each venue complement one another. AsiaWorld-Expo and Zicec have been putting this into action by promoting a “One Show, Two Cities” joint advertisement and joint presentation to cultivate sales opportunities.
How will the new bridge benefit MICE organisers?
EL: By taking advantage of Hong Kong as an international MICE hub, AsiaWorld-Expo and Zicec are co-operating to facilitate mega conference organisers to carry out dual-city events under the concept of “One Show, Two Cities”.
The governments and bureaus of the respective economic powerhouses in the Pearl River Delta are working in stronger collaboration to promote “One journey, Multi-stop” experience leveraging on the special features of the facilities and tourist attractions in Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau.
What ideas can the Pearl River bridge connection and venue collaboration offer conference goers?
EL: The co-operation would definitely offer more choices for event planners in formulating dynamic and innovative multi-destination itineraries. This joint effort can also address the demand on venue facilities, and revolutionise the way in which future MICE events take place across venues.
A conference trip then becomes more diversified and caters to the needs of those accompanying delegates [such as spouses] who can enjoy a city break in Hong Kong or visit a rejuvenating resort in Zhuhai while delegates are busy with business and networking. The extended MICE hospitality will help tap a larger group of visitors, so generating further economic benefits.
For instance, tailored tour packages will help enhance the appeal of the Pearl River Delta as one attractive destination while each place would have its signature function in sharing the role of integrating the business and leisure concept.
