Hong Kong Exhibition Numbers Rebound Sharply as MICE Visitors Rise 7%
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago8 MIN
Summary
Financial Secretary Chan Mo-po (陳茂波) reported on Sunday that Hong Kong's exhibition sector has staged a strong rebound, with the number of events held in the city rising markedly year-on-year. MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) visitors to Hong Kong reached 2.51 million in 2025, representing a 7% increase from the previous year, with approximately 60% of these visitors choosing to stay overnight . The positive momentum reflects the combined impact of multiple major international summits, financial conferences, and lifestyle exhibitions held across the city over the past week, creating synergy effects that extended visitor stays and boosted spending across hotels, dining, and retail sectors .
Key Points
- Hong Kong's economy grew 5.1% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2026, the fastest pace in five years, with third quarter growth reaching 5.2%
- October visitor arrivals rose 11.8% year-on-year; September retail sales increased 6.4%, while third quarter restaurant revenues grew 3.1%
- Over 360 exhibitions and events were held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and AsiaWorld-Expo in 2025, attracting 7.7 million participants and 2.51 million MICE visitors
- International exhibition visitors spend approximately HK$9,300 per person on average, roughly 70% more than typical overnight tourists
- The 18th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair at HKCEC featured 620 exhibitors from over 25 countries and regions
- Young local distillers showcased innovative products including gin inspired by "Salty Lemon Seven" and "Yuenyang"-flavored spirits combining tea and coffee notes
- The government has allocated HK$100 million in special funding to attract new large-scale international exhibitions, with the "World Connoisseurs Festival" as the first beneficiary
- AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2 is scheduled for completion in 2028, adding a multi-purpose venue accommodating 20,000 people
- Wan Chai North redevelopment is progressing at full speed; upon completion of both projects, Hong Kong's large-scale MICE space will increase by over 40%
- Upcoming events include the Hong Kong Tourism Board's "Hong Kong Winter Celebrations" in Central, "Hong Kong Light Festival" extending to Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay, Clockenflap Music Festival, international badminton tournaments at Kai Tak Sports Park, and New Year's Eve countdown celebrations
Why It Matters
The rebound in exhibition numbers and MICE visitor growth underscores Hong Kong's revival as a premier global events hub, with high-value visitors generating disproportionate economic benefits through their elevated spending patterns. The planned expansion of exhibition infrastructure will provide capacity to host larger and more diverse international events, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as both a "super connector" and "super value-adder" connecting global businesses while driving growth in tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors .
The rebound in exhibition numbers and MICE visitor growth underscores Hong Kong's revival as a premier global events hub, with high-value visitors generating disproportionate economic benefits through their elevated spending patterns. The planned expansion of exhibition infrastructure will provide capacity to host larger and more diverse international events, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as both a "super connector" and "super value-adder" connecting global businesses while driving growth in tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors .