TORONTO — For more than 26 years Karisa Lui has been a driving force behind the HKTB’s efforts in promoting Hong Kong as a must-see destination for Canadian travellers – and a must-sell product for the trade.

Lui is retiring at the end of this month, but she takes with her many fond memories from her time at the HKTB.

“It has been a great journey of my work life with the Hong Kong Tourist Association and the Hong Kong Tourism Board in the past decades,” says Lui.

Travelweek asked Lui to share a few favourite memories from her time with the HKTB.

One was an immediate stand-out: “My first Chinese New Year Media Dinner held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in the mid-1990s. It was the first time we had the exciting Hong Kong horse racing game. The annual celebration with media friends had become a signature event thereafter.”

Another of Lui’s favourites was the premiere film screening of a Jackie Chan movie at the ROM theatre for travel industry partners and media. An interactive puzzle game of discovering attractions of Hong Kong’s 18 districts was also staged.

That said, visiting Hong Kong with the media and trade are among Lui’s fondest memories. “There is always something new to experience and explore in Hong Kong. Patronizing my favourite local eats and local brand stores were on my must-do list.”

Lui joined the HKTA (now HKTB) Toronto Office responsible for PR & media matters in September 1994. “It has been an enjoyable job as the quality and services of Hong Kong’s travel and hospitality industry are always one of the world’s best. The year-round traditional festivals and world-class events, local culture and great outdoors offered endless story ideas.”

Although she says farewell with reluctance, “it is time to start the next chapter of my life – to become a retiree.”

Lui’s professional, helpful and friendly manner were integral to the HKTA and HKTB over the years, and the foundation for her many friendships in the industry, and we wish her all the best in her new chapter.