Mr Vincent Fang,
Chairman of BBTS Governing Council. |
 Chairman's Report
I write with mixed emotions as I reflect over the past year, the unpredictability of life and the impact recent global events have had on Hong Kong and
on the international business community.
I refer, of course, to the worldwide economic slowdown and the devastating effects that the terrorist attacks against the United States last September
have had on various aspects of our lives, not least being the impact on our businesses and, more specifically, the global tourism industry. We have all experienced the ramifications of these events.
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On a more positive note, the demands that such events have placed on the business community - to take stock, refocus and move forward optimistically -
have placed even greater emphasis on achieving the objectives and mission of Better Business and Tourism Services (BBTS).
Indeed, I am delighted to report that BBTS has had a very positive year, with the successful completion of a number of exciting new projects and
initiatives, while further achieving goals set within our Mission Statement, which are to continually promote service excellence and a prosperous business environment in Hong Kong.
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Following the unanimous passing of all resolutions tabled at the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on 27 March 2001, BBTS initiated a pro-active membership
recruitment drive throughout the Hong Kong business community.
In April 2000, the then Hong Kong Tourist Association (now the Hong Kong Tourism Board) appointed BBTS as the Administrator for the Quality Tourism
Services (QTS) Scheme. As at May 2002, 1,368 organisations with 4,220 outlets have been recruited, among which 897 organisations with 3,003 outlets have
successfully been accredited with QTS status. This represents a resounding 26% increase in the number of organisations and outlets compared with last year.
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Following the EGM on 27 March 2001, BBTS initiated a pro-active mebership recruitment drive throughout the Hong Kong business community.
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In the coming year, the QTS Secretariat will boost its recruitment drive via co-operative promotions and publicity with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, utilising the City of Life:
Hong Kong is it! campaign. It will also develop new collateral to facilitate recruitment, as well as work with relevant trade organisations and identify tourism-oriented businesses.
Support for the Scheme has also been grown with the application renewal rate now standing at 84%, reflecting Hong Kong merchants' high regard for the value of QTS.
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In short, the BBTS vision is to foster an environment that stimulates better business and tourism services in Hong Kong.
The revival in recent months of the global tourism industry heralds renewed international interest in Asia's world city. In hard figures this is reflected in the increase in the number of in.ter.na.tion.al
arrivals to Hong Kong, totalling 13.73 million, accounting for growth of 5.1% year-on-year. As a direct consequence of the increase in visitors, total tourism receipts grew by 4.5% to HK$64.28 billion, confirming Hong Kong's position as the world's top city destination. Mainland China, Taiwan and North Asia remain
the top three generators of visitor spending, with a 37%, 17.2% and 11.3% respectively.
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The Year of Horse afforded BBTS an opportunity to embrace the spirit of Chinese New Year through participation in the 2002 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Parade and Fiesta |
The year 2001's record visitor arrival numbers and the return to positive growth in tourism receipts is a clear indication of the Hong Kong SAR Government's commitment to growth and development within this vital industry acknowledged as the leading generator of foreign revenue. Our delivery of service excellence
on the ground will positively reinforce Hong Kong's appeal internationally.
A factor that may impede future growth in tourism arrivals, however, is the Government's proposal to introduce a Sales Tax.
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Addressing this issue, BBTS issued a Position Paper on the proposed "New Broad-based Taxes", sharing its views with Members and presenting our standpoint as to why we object strongly to the introduction of such a tax.
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Communication and the timely provision of accurate, focused, succinct information is paramount to the success of all businesses enterprises in the new
information age. BBTS has "come of age" in this era of new technologies. This is acknowledged by its growing status within Hong Kong's business community and the increased awareness of the positive contribution it makes
to the development and success of independent business enterprises and Hong Kong's positioning as a technological hub, a fact borne out by the overwhelming response to our new Web site (http://www.bbtshk.com) launched on 29 November 2001.
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The successful launch on 29 November 2001 of the BBTS Web site has resulted in an overwhelming response. |
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The renewed energy and direction of BBTS was further enhanced earlier that month with the media launch of the redesigned BBTS bi-monthly publication Trade News, renamed BBTS.News. As a key communication tool conveying industry issues, concerns and developments to Members,
the dissemination of timely information is imperative in order for Hong Kong businesses to maintain their competitive edge, both domestically and in the global arena.
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The Year of the Horse afforded BBTS an opportunity to embrace the spirit of Chinese New Year through participation in the "2002 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Parade and Fiesta" (CNYP). Additionally, it gave BBTS much pleasure to join some 280,000 spectators
along the parade route to celebrate this premier Chinese festival and to convey greetings to millions more around the world via the media.
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BBTS members have also demonstrated overwhelming support for the inaugural "HSBC Mega Hong Kong Sale", organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, with some 500 Member outlets - representing nearly a quarter of the total
number of participating merchants - joining the promotion.
Indeed, the level of optimism and the projects initiated by BBTS over the past year has seen a groundswell of support for our vision to foster an environment that stimulates better business and tourism services in Hong Kong.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Governing Council and the Secretariat for their unflagging enthusiasm, motivation and drive in steering BBTS through a challenging period for Hong Kong businesses and the economy in general. Their dedication to the mission of BBTS will,
I am sure, result in increased membership from small and medium businesses in the coming year.
Hong Kong is one of the world's most vibrant cities. We must all maximise our efforts to maintain this leading position.
Top
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BBTS Governing Council Members for session 2001-2002 Standing from left: Mr Richard Feldman,
Ms Betty Leong, Mr Bill Edward, Mr Yu Choy Chun, Mr Roger Szeto, Mr Joseph Chan, Mr Louis Cheung, Mr Gordon Sin, Mr Peter Chiu
Seated, from left: Mr Dick Kaufman, Mrs Grace Lee,
The Hon Mrs Selina Chow, Mr Winston Chow,
Mr Frank Lee, Ms Victoria Luck (Executive Manager), Ms Clara Chong, Mr Vincent Fang, Mr Wilson Kwok.
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