Mega events pull in 2 million visitors

Nearly two million visitors had flocked to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in the three months that ended in November to attend the 205 events it had organized for that period.

Of the 205, 31 were exhibitions and 29 were conferences. Other events include banquets, corporate events and concerts.

Mega events that were held successfully include Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong, Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition), Poly Auction Hong Kong Autumn Auctions 2024 and the 30th East Asian Insurance Congress.

The Hong Kong government led by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has placed great emphasis on what it dubs the mega event economy as a way to boost the SAR's post-Covid economy, with an aim of attracting foreign investors and fomenting global interest in the city.

Managing director Monica Lee-Muller said that September to November has always been one of their peak event seasons with local trade buyers, delegates and visitors making trade deals and establishing connections in the halls of HKCEC.

Lee said the success of the events reinforces Hong Kong's role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between the mainland and the rest of the world. Hong Kong's economy also benefits from these events, which have allowed elites to personally experience Hong Kong as a vibrant city, she added.

Staff reporter