HONG KONG’s trade-show comeback is gathering pace with two major events that relocated to rival destinations when Covid restrictions gripped the city making a return.
Vinexpo Asia, which was held in Singapore for the first tine last month, returns to Hong Kong next year along with Asia Pacific Leather Fair after holding events in Bangkok and Dubai.
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) said four new trade show have also been secured for the next two months – representing an industry confidence boost. This follows 100,000 buyers attending recent Global Sources events at AsiaWorld-Expo and 30,000 at the HOFEX hospitality industry show at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in May, according to HKTB figures.
Tourism and business events officials say the return of APLF and VinExpo in addition to the new events signals that Hong Kong is back as the “trade fair capital of Asia” and will establish the city as a “MICE hub” for the Greater Bay Area.
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“The return of the world’s leading trade shows highlights Hong Kong’s attractiveness, its friendly trading policies, and solid fundamentals,” said Kenneth Wong, HKTB’s general manager for MICE and cruise.
“Hong Kong also enjoys promising growth potential with the Greater Bay Area and comprehensive government support for the industry. We are highly delighted to see organisers of both old and new shows choosing Hong Kong.”
The four new exhibitions being held in the city for the first time are DMP Greater Bay Area Industrial Expo; the three-in-one expo BioCHINA 2023; Greater Bay Area ESG & Sustainability Exhibition, and the 13th JCtrans Global Freight Forwarders Expo 2023. They have been scheduled for this month and next.
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David Bondi, senior vice president, Informa Markets Asia said: “We’re delighted to bring APLF events back to Asia’s World City next year. The enthusiasm is palpable as the city has long been our home base, connecting the global markets with Chinese suppliers and buyers.”
Rodolphe Lameyse, chief executive of Vinexposium Group said: “Hong Kong is the strategic gateway to the market in mainland China, and 2024 will mark Vinexpo Asia’s triumphant return to the city with hundreds of producers presenting the very best wines from all around the world.”
Officials say the trade-show comeback adds to “the city’s unique position as the MICE hub of the GBA and a global aviation and logistics centre”.
Main picture: The Global Sources Hong Kong show in April occupied all ten halls at AsiaWorld-Expo
