Hong Kong’s MICE industry has shown signs of recovery, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has announced. Between April and June 2021, 20 physical fairs attracted over a million visitors, a positive response which indicates demand for live shows is high.

Highlights from Hong Kong’s calendar of events includes Art Basel 2021, the inaugural GOVirtual Business Expo and ShoppingFest, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) first show since Covid-19 began. The success of the exhibitions, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), has demonstrated how large-scale business events can be run safely and seamlessly, according to HKTB.

The HKSAR government is offering exhibition organisers free venue rental support which has been coupled with the city’s anti-pandemic hygiene measures to encourage a strong line up of events in 2021.

Upcoming B2B shows include the Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong held by Informa Markets in late June, as well as the inaugural HKTDC International Sourcing Show, and TKS Exhibition’s International Travel Expo Hong Kong in July, with an even stronger line-up in the third quarter.

Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC said “We are pleased that our inaugural Lifestyle ShoppingFest was held successfully, with 75% of exhibitors believing physical shows can help boost their business, while 82% of visitors were satisfied with the health and safety measures at the show.”

For MICE event enquiries and for free venue rental support, to which terms and conditions apply, please contact Helen Chan, manager, MICE, Europe, in HKTB’s London office: Helen.Chan@hktb.com.