North Korea, Iraq holiday? Hongkongers are seeking unique getaways, insiders say

Hongkongers are increasingly opting for unconventional destinations such as North Korea and Iraq, as well as lesser-known Japanese cities, according to travel agencies and airlines.

Industry insiders shared their observations at a four-day Hong Kong Holiday and Travel Expo on Thursday at the Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event attracted participation from 100 organisations, including travel agents, government tourism bureaus, airlines and hotels.

Alfred Lam, the director of TravPholer, an agency focusing on alternative tourism, noted an increase in interest in less-explored places recently compared with the same period last year.

“We invited some celebrities to participate in reality shows to showcase the beauty of these less populated areas such as Yemen, which might have sparked interest among travellers,” Lam said.

Top destinations highlighted by Lam included Yemen, Iraq and North Korea, which also draw interest from foreign travellers outside Hong Kong.

The agency organised small tour groups to North Korea almost every two weeks last year. In January this year, they sent three groups to Yemen, each consisting of about 10 people.