EXTENDED opening hours till midnight along with an increase in the number of booths and visitors contributed to the success of this year’s Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.
The four-day event at Central Harbourfront came to a close at the weekend and attracted about 163,000 attendees – an increase of more than 30 per cent for average daily visit from last year, according to Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the main organisers.
Visitors from more than 30 countries and regions visited the festival. Of the more 300-plus booths, 70 per cent were dedicated to wines and 30 per cent showcased gourmet cuisine.
Merchants reported a surge in sales with business at some booths increasing by 40 to 50 per cent from last year. They attributed the increase in visitors and spending to the extended event hours.
The annual festival, which has become a prime fixture on the Hong Kong event calendar, is co-organised by the Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB) – the French marketing body representing the Bordeaux region’s wine sector.
Bordeaux Wine Council organised the 1855 Grands Crus Classes to introduce a more diverse range of fine wines, while the Towngas Gourmet Avenue featured outlets representing high-end restaurants.
The event’s success underscores Hong Kong’s unique appeal as a destination that brings together fine wines and cuisines from around the world. HKTB will continue to build on this momentum to present more exciting events in the future.”
– Peter Lam, Chairman, Hong Kong Tourism Board
The festival saw the return of the BEA Grand Wine Pavilion for Masterclass Tasting Journeys under the guidance of experts. The pavilion’s “Ring the Bell” promotion was also proved popular with guests able to get limited-edition vintages at discounted prices.
Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, said this year’s festival “achieved impressive growth in both attendance and spending”. She said the “outstanding results” underlined Hong Kong’s status as a “City of Gastronomy”.
“Moreover, it allows residents and visitors to rediscover the vibrant charm of Hong Kong’s nightlife, fully leveraging the economic benefits of mega events,” Law said.
Peter Lam, HKTB Chairman, said: “We are delighted to see so many locals and visitors enthusiastically participating in the four-day Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, driving robust spending. This outstanding success is attributable to support from the Hong Kong SAR Government, particularly for extending the event hours until midnight, which significantly boosted overall participation and sales.
“The support of sponsors, top chefs and merchants also contributed to the excitement from local and visiting participants.
“The event’s success underscores Hong Kong’s unique appeal as a destination that brings together fine wines and cuisines from around the world. HKTB will continue to build on this momentum to present more exciting events in the future,” Lam said.
Main picture… Chefs creating gourmet dishes were among the highlights as high-end restaurants took part in a special section at the festival. Image source: HKTB
