Sydney, AU: Asia’s world city, Hong Kong, was the stage for the celebrated Hong Kong Sevens 2025 rugby tournament recently, with six of Australia’s travel trade heads experiencing one of the destination’s signature sporting events first-hand at its new home, Kai Tak Stadium.
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) hosted the group in conjunction with flag carrier, Cathay Pacific. The Hong Kong Sevens trade famil encompassed the best of the destination’s offerings for visitors from Down Under. Highlights of the trip included hospitality tickets to the Hong Kong Sevens; exploring the sights of the city by the Peak Tram, a water taxi cruise on the Harbour and in a Classic Rolls Royce Ride; and tasting the culinary delights of the world-renowned foodie destination with a private tour at N.I.P Gin Distillery, Sham Shui Po foodie tour and dining at Epure, Azure 80 and LUMA.
Michael Gazal, Managing Director, TravelManagers, said, “What a great opportunity to attend the Hong Kong Tourism Board/Cathay Pacific Rugby Sevens famil to Hong Kong. It really showcased this dynamic Asian city’s diversity from world-class quality hotels, a foodies’ paradise for all budgets, magnificent city-scapes and amongst the incredible vibe, plenty of green spaces to unwind and take it all in. Of course, the brand-new Kai Tak Stadium was a highlight, seeing some of the best women and men in the world compete for the prestigious Sevens tournament. Hong Kong is definitely on the short list of a TravelManagers national conference, and we hope we can make it happen sometime soon.”
Karen Macmillan, Director, Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific, said, “As a nation of sport enthusiasts, Australians will travel for sports and events, which has exploded as a global trend in the past few years. Hong Kong’s dedication to the Rugby Sevens tournament, paired with the futuristic Kai Tak stadium, provide sport fans with an incredible environment to spectate. Hong Kong Tourism Board is delighted to work alongside our enthusiastic trade partners to ensure clients have the ultimate sport and travel experience in the destination and we are really proud to have members of the Australian travel trade be among the first to see a game at the new home of the Hong Kong Sevens.”
Famil participants stayed at W Hong Kong Hotel, based in the vibrant harbourside cultural hub of West Kowloon, with two days’ hospitality seating at the nearby Kai Tak Stadium, the new home of the Sevens Rugby Series. Following 40 years of play at the Hong Kong Stadium, this new 50,000-seat arena is purpose-built to house the Hong Kong Sevens tournament, erected on the site of the former international airport. The multi-billion-dollar complex has become one of the world’s most forward-thinking sports precincts and features air conditioning, a retractable roof and a moveable pitch surface.
