.

It's said that way, because they don't foot the bill or setup shoots anymore.  It's up to the contributor to schedule what they want.  Which, I imagine is hard to do in a city you don't know anything about.

I just cant see how to financially justify a trip like this. For me it's thousands of dollars in travel and other costs. And what's the return? Does anyone ever break even on these?

I just cant see how to financially justify a trip like this. For me it's thousands of dollars in travel and other costs. And what's the return? Does anyone ever break even on these?

In the Good Old Days, probably yes, if they knew what they were doing to start with.
Also in the Old Days, there was a learning aspect, whereby if you weren't used to shooting with lights, or shooting/directing models, and would be able to do it once 'back home', you got some confidence/experience, maybe.
And some people love meeting up for the craic.
(Presumably it's a tax expense.)

I live here in Hong Kong and am a Hong Konger and even I agree its a stupid place for this event - this is one of the most expensive cities in the world - hotel rooms are between US$300 and $500 for even a simple mediocre business hotel. The cost of renting a place for shoots would be more expensive than they can imagine. Pollution means we see blue skies less than half the time and live with permanent grey haze so outdoor photography is challenging. If you think I exaggerate do a search on "Hong Kong" and you will see the lack of diversity in photographs on offer.   

Singapore or Bangkok are a much better choice - in fact Bangkok would be a terrific choice - interesting culturally and affordable.