Faced with the difficult task of promoting tourism in Hong Kong as world travel continues to precipitously decline, William B. Flora was appointed as Director for the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in the United States on September 8.
Coming to the job with a 30-year career in advertising and marketing, Flora previously held senior positions in advertising agencies and corporations, including Foote, Cone & Belding (FCB), and TBWA CHIAT/DAY. Adding to his credentials, Flora was senior vice president/group management supervisor of Dailey & Associates, managing the Princess Cruises and Cunard Line accounts.
In his new position, Flora will manage the HKTB’s marketing and outreach efforts in the U.S., and coordinate with the Board’s overall global promotion.
As the fourth largest market for visitors to Hong Kong, the United States is vital to revitalizing tourism in the area, which decreased by 12.5 percent during the first seven months of 2009 alone.
Expressing his confidence in the newly appointed Flora, HKTB Executive Director Anthony Lau said “We are glad to welcome William to our team. I am sure his extensive knowledge and expertise in marketing will help us maintain a stronger brand presence of Hong Kong in the USA. In particular, his previous experience in the cruise sector will definitely be an asset to us, as we work with cruise lines and operators to develop new fly/cruise itineraries for the US consumers.”
