Better synergy expected from Expo after Airport Authority gains full ownership

AsiaWorld-Expo, currently used as a treatment facility for Covid patients, is now fully owned by the Airport Authority after the government transferred all of its interests yesterday.

The transfer will not bring big changes to the Expo's daily operations, a government spokesman said, but it will have better synergy with SkyCity and the entire Airport City under the new full ownership and management.

"Going forward, the Airport Authority, through its full ownership, is well placed to capitalize on its experience in managing convention and exhibition facilities as well as the strategic value stemming from the development in Airport City," he said.

"All this will consolidate and strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international trade center as envisaged under the national 14th five-year plan."

The Airport Authority said it will invest in the Expo's expansion, which is expected to provide 100,000 square meters of rentable convention and exhibition space as well as a multipurpose indoor arena with a seating capacity of more than 20,000 people to meet the demand for mega international convention and exhibitions, entertainment and sports events.

The expanded expo will later attract visitors from overseas, the Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong, propelling the development of Airport City into a destination of its own and contributing to the local economic development, it added.

The Expo community treatment facility can currently receive up to 400 elderly patients.

Ngong Ping 360, meanwhile, said its number of visitors increased by nearly 80 percent year-on-year in 2021, with local guests surging 132 percent.

The cable car company said it has adopted innovative strategies and launched several marketing campaigns targeting the local market.

About 460,000 guests visited Ngong Ping 360 last year.

"In 2021, we collaborated with several renowned international and local brands to undertake a series of creative breakthrough projects and hold themed seasonal events," said Ngong Ping 360 managing director Andy Lau Wai-ming.