BusinessTravel Guide www.asiaoutlookmag.com
HONG KONG
Escaping the Norm
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HONG KONG repare yourself for an enticing combination of functionality and intriguing history that really epitomises the city’s essence; a streamlined and efficient way of life which makes it perfect for a productive business trip. Hong Kong’s historical entities are in plentiful supply, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most significant financial centres that boasts the highest financial development index score recorded. Although the city is well-known for its history as a transition port, moving a significant volume of China’s exports to the rest of the world, a trip to Hong
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A trip to Hong Kong will provide you with an enchanting feast for the senses, as one of the worlds top business and culinary capitals, and a perfect balance of business and pleasure Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Joe Palliser
Kong will provide you with much more than just a harbour city view. After a long day rushing from meeting to meeting, you will find yourself in one of the top culinary capitals in the world, spoilt for choice amongst Sichuanese, Japanese, Cantonese and French dishes; with a culinary repertoire to match the best in the world. The intensity that emanates from the city’s vast population density and fast paced financial growth has had to be matched by infrastructural developments within the city, particularly the top class transport systems the city possesses on which 90 percent of the population travels.
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Facts & Figures
Beneath Hong Kong’s commercialised facade, you will be treated to an endless dynamic culture
Similar to that found in London’s underground with the Oyster card, Hong Kong has the Octopus Card - a prepaid contactless debit card - which enables you to get around the city with ease and is definitely a worthwhile timesaver.
You will quickly come to realise that Hong Kong will provide you with far more than your average business trip, with endless offerings to make your time away from home that little bit more special.
Languages: Cantonese, English Area: 1,092 square kilometres Population (2016): 7,346,248 Currency: Hong Kong dollar Time zone: UTC +8 Dialling code: +852 Internet TLD: .hk Climate: Sub-tropical climate
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H O N G
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The Business End
H O N G K O N G I S privy to sound economic strengths, including its renowned banking system, very little public debt, a strong legal system and rigorous anti-corruption measures which over time have secured its close ties with mainland China. Due to its world-class harbour, Hong Kong’s export industry is booming, particularly the re-export centre with the predominant amount of the city’s exports consisting of re-exported goods - products made outside of the territory, mainly in mainland China which are then distributed throughout Hong Kong. The main development of the city’s economy occurred between 1950 and 1990, where Hong Kong grew
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rapidly and became the first for the ‘Four Asian Tigers’ - the others being Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan when all of which underwent rapid industrialisation and continued to maintain exceptionally high growth rates - through the development of a strong manufacturing and financial base. In the present day the city is famous for its leading financial centre, with four main industries that include financial services, tourism, trading and logistics, and professional and producer services. Each of these industries have played a contributing role in the city’s economic growth, while providing a pathway that will encourage other sectoral growth.
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Out & About H O N G K O N G W I L L offer up a plethora of enticing and exciting cultural opportunities for you to enjoy throughout your business trip, moving away from the norm of a typical business-centred city. Despite being known as Asia’s business hub, there is so much more to be explored and taken from your time in Hong Kong, with an abundance of boutique hotels, delicious variety in your dining and endless landmark attractions to behold. When it comes to accommodation in the city, there really is something for
everyone, particularly if you wish to escape the more clinical style hotel and find yourself in a little piece of heaven, escaping the hustle and bustle after a busy day in Hong Kong. With such precious free time on business trips, you will be spoilt for choice when deciding how to spend your leisure time. If you wish to completely immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s culture, Old Town Central is a brilliant place to do so, home to Man Mo Temple and surrounded by beautiful art galleries and boutique shopping; perfectly showcasing the combination of old and new which
makes Hong Kong so individual. No trip to Hong Kong would be complete without a trip to the iconic topping point of the city’s skyline, Victoria Peak. Standing at 1,811 feet, it has a commanding view of Victoria Harbour that makes it popular with locals and tourists alike. With so much to see and do, planning ahead is definitely advisable in order to make the most of everything Hong Kong has to offer in between working hours, and to enjoy the full potential of the city that will almost certainly have you planning your next trip back before you have even left.
Rooftop Bar, Wooloomooloo, in Hong Kong
Discoveri ng Old To wn Centr al
with Jere my
Pang
Partying in Hong Kong: Best Bars in Lan Kwai Fong
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Outlook Recommends “Hong Kong welcomes with an iconic skyline, a legendary kitchen, and lush, protected nature where rare birds and colourful traditions thrive.” - Lonely Planet
HOSPITALITY
Hotel Jen
RESTAURANTS
The Murray
TRANSPORT
The Chill Out @ The South Temple Street Night Market Amber at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental
LEISURE
Hotel Sav
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Heliservices (HK) Limited
Hong Kong Disneyland
Citybus
Old Town Central
Air India
Happy Wednesday
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Stay. Work. Unwind Hotel Jen Hong Kong 508 Queen’s Road West, Western District, Hong Kong (MTR: HKU Station, Exit B2) T +852 2974 1234 E hongkong@hoteljen.com
hoteljen.com
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H O N G
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Transport Links
Hong Kong Tram in Johnston Road
H O N G K O N G I S a very small place when taking into account the seven million inhabitants that are squeezed into the city, therefore transportation has to be top notch to keep it moving. This makes it the perfect setting when faced with a jam-packed schedule, while also providing you with plentiful opportunity to explore the city’s cultural offerings. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is the quickest and most modern way of navigating your way around urban destinations, however, if you have a little more time on your hands in between meetings and wish to take in more of the city on the way to your destination, this is perhaps not the most preferable option. Hong Kong comprises five underground lines, including the Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan, Island, Tung Chung and Tseung Kwan O lines; three suburban rail lines including West,
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Tung Chung line train, near Sunny Bay Station
East and Ma On Shan lines; the Airport Express; and a complex network of modern tram lines in the North West New Territories. Generally as a visitor to the city, you will become familiar with the busy Tsuen Wan Line, which runs from Kowlook to the New Territories and it is important to note a few things before entering. Firstly and perhaps most importantly, the consumption of food & drink both on the trains and in stations is forbidden and if you are caught, you could be liable to incurring up to a $2,000 fine. Fares will of course depend on the
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PHOTO: BAYCREST
PHOTO: WPCPEY
Mong Kok is a rapid transit station on the Kwun Tong and Tsuen Wan Lines of the MTR system
distance you are travelling and most ticket machines will not accept anything larger than $10, however, customer service points will provide change for you and you have the option to use your card on the Airport Express. When seeking a slightly more traditional mode of transport, the city’s double-decker trams have been servicing Hong Kong for more than a century, and although they are perhaps a slightly more bumpy and rustic way to travel, for a flat rate of $2.30 you have the opportunity to see a lot more of the city and get in a little sightseeing. Busses and taxis are also a perfectly good option for finding your way around Hong Kong, however, it is important to remember that those options will only be as practical as traffic will allow, so be sure to afford yourself plenty of extra time when faced with a busy schedule to avoid any hold-ups.
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Landmark Attractions
Come & Experience Hong Kong from the air ! - Hong Kong Island Experience (Approx.15min) - Kowloon & Hong Kong Island Experience (Approx.30min) - Hong Kong Geopark Experience (Approx.30min) - Complete Hong Kong Experience (Approx.45min)
Enquiry: +852 2802 0200 / chp@heliservices.com.hk
Man Mo Temple
“The Man Mo Temple is a picturesque tribute to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo), both of whom were worshipped by ambitious students looking to succeed in the civil examinations of Imperial China. These involved rigorous systems aimed at finding the best administrative officials for the state. Man Mo Temple is part of a complex that also includes the areas Lit Shing Kung and Kung Sor. t was listed as a Grade I historic building in 2009 and is preserved as a Declared Monument.” - Discover Hong Kong
Victoria Peak
“Victoria Peak is Hong Kong Island's highest point and a landmark of the Hong Kong skyline. At 1,811 feet or 552 metres high it has long been the address of choice for the Taipans of old and new. With the commanding views over Victoria Harbour, it is understandable why it is some of the most sought after real estate in the world.” - Hong Kong Traveller
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BusinessTravel Guide joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 676
ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 672
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