Editor’s Note
Hong Kong’s exhibition sector demonstrated robust activity last year, with its two major venues hosting 350 events that drew over 9 million participants. This vibrant performance underscores the industry’s vital role in stimulating economic growth and supporting related sectors across the city.
Hong Kong’s two major dedicated exhibition venues hosted a total of 350 exhibition events last year, attracting 9.17 million participants. These events drew numerous attendees, benefiting multiple industries and making significant contributions to Hong Kong’s economy. According to statistics from the Hong Kong Tourism Board, overnight exhibition visitors in 2024 numbered approximately 1.42 million, with per capita spending around HK$7,800.
In response to legislators’ inquiries, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau stated that the convention and exhibition (MICE) industry is a crucial component of Hong Kong’s role as an international trade hub. Hong Kong hosts numerous large-scale international conferences and exhibitions annually (such as the “Hong Kong International Jewellery Show”, “AsiaWorld-Expo Beauty Expo”, and the “Belt and Road Summit”), covering various industries and themes, including electronics, jewellery, gifts, watches, and wine.
In 2022, 2023, and 2024, the number of exhibition events held at Hong Kong’s two major dedicated venues (namely the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE)) were 150, 320, and 350 respectively. The corresponding participant numbers were over 3.52 million, 6.87 million, and 9.17 million. These events attracted many participants (including exhibitors and buyers), not only benefiting the exhibition industry itself but also driving economic activities in other sectors such as accommodation, catering, retail, and entertainment through high-spending business visitors, thereby benefiting multiple industries and making significant contributions to Hong Kong’s economy. According to statistics from the Hong Kong Tourism Board, overnight exhibition visitors in 2024 numbered approximately 1.42 million, with per capita spending around HK$7,800.
Algernon Yau indicated that in 2025, the HKCEC and AWE are expected to jointly host over 140 conferences and 180 exhibitions, including major international exhibitions and conferences such as the Baselworld Hong Kong 2025, the World Airline Development Congress 2025, and the Asian Financial Forum.