THOUSANDS of delegates attending the 108th Lions International Convention in Hong Kong this week made a tai chi session world record bid as a finale to one of the world’s largest international service organisation gatherings.
The five-day convention, which came to a close at AsiaWorld-Expo on Tuesday, marked the third time that Lions Clubs International chose Hong Kong to host its flagship event, having previously staged the gathering in the city in 1992 and 2005.
Around 17,000 delegates from around the world attended the 2026 convention, which was supported by Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).
To celebrate the event’s return to Hong Kong and promote traditional Chinese culture, organisers gathered thousands of international Lions members to practise tai chi simultaneously. The event is intended to encourage exercise and raise awareness of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Organisers are waiting for officials from the Guinness Book of Records to verify whether the record bid was successful.
Hong Kong’s selection as host city for a third time places it among a small group of destinations within the Lions network, which spans more than 200 countries and regions worldwide.
HKTB is delighted to partner with the Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China, to bring this Convention to Hong Kong for the third time. Its return affirms Hong Kong’s position as the World’s Meeting Place and a top-of-mind destination for MICE tourism.”
Peter Lam, HKTB chairman
Founded in 1917, Lions Clubs International has more than 1.4 million members and around 50,000 clubs globally, making it one of the world’s largest service organisations. Its members undertake a wide range of community and charitable projects across the world.
“With its well-developed professional services and comprehensive MICE infrastructure, Hong Kong is an ideal host for this international mega event. I am delighted that the Convention has returned to Hong Kong,” said Tam Wing-kun, Lions International Convention 2026 Honorary Chairman and Past International President.
“This year’s edition will provide Lions from all corners of the world with a broad and diverse platform to explore the future development of international services.”
Delegates will also be able to experience first-hand Hong Kong’s world-class cuisine and rich cultural appeal. I am confident they will be the best ambassadors possible when they return home, telling the good stories of Hong Kong to the world.”
Tam Wing-kun, Lions International
To encourage delegates to extend their stay, HKTB worked with the travel trade and major attractions to create a range of offers, including transport promotions, attraction tickets, shopping discounts and theme park deals. The initiative is designed to showcase Hong Kong’s cultural, culinary and tourism attractions beyond the convention itself.
HKTB chair Peter Lam said: “HKTB is delighted to partner with the Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China, to bring this Convention to Hong Kong for the third time. Its return affirms Hong Kong’s position as the World’s Meeting Place and a top-of-mind destination for MICE tourism. It also showcases Hong Kong’s integrated strengths in world-class MICE infrastructure, global aviation connectivity, diverse and distinctive tourism offerings, and quality hospitality services.
Backgrounder… Lions roaring back to Hong Kong
“These are the key factors in attracting international MICE events and encouraging business travellers to return time and again.
“We extend our warmest welcome to Lions from around the world and, together with our industry partners, have curated exclusive itineraries and experiences to encourage delegates to stay longer and discover the unique appeal that can be found only in Hong Kong.”
