TORONTO — Travel advisors, tour operators and more helped the Hong Kong Tourism Board celebrate the Year of the Snake at last night’s Hong Kong Chinese New Year reception.

The event was presented by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) and the HKTB.

Festivities included an exclusive sand-painting performance by renowned artist Hoi Chiu.

Jorge Lee, Sr. Manager, Marketing and Public Relations for the HKTB, welcomed attendees with a strong pro-trade message.

Lee took over the hosting duties from t the HKTB’s former long-time Director, Americas, Michael Lim, who retired in November 2024.

“When many believe that travel agents and tour operators are a thing of the past, we have words for you,” said Lee.

“We believe our strength lies in forging partnerships with travel advisors and tour operators,” he said.

Hong Kong welcomed close to 45 million visitors in 2024. “That’s up 31%,” said Lee.

About 1.2 million of those visitors were from North America, including 320,000 from Canada. That’s up 50% year over year.

“We can’t do this without you, our trade partners,” said Lee to applause.

More information about Hong Kong can be found at DiscoverHongKong.com.