Hong Kong Finance Secretary Paul Chan said the government will continue to
promote high-profile events and upgrade supporting infrastructure to expand
high-value tourism and the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and
exhibitions) sector. He cited Q3 GDP up 5.2% YoY and first nine months up 5.1%
YoY, the fastest pace in five years; October visitor arrivals +11.8% YoY;
September retail sales value +6.4% YoY; and Q3 food and beverage receipts +3.1%
YoY. Chan said AsiaWorld-Expo Phase II is expected to be completed in 2028,
adding a roughly 20,000-seat multi-purpose arena, and the Wan Chai North
redevelopment is progressing at pace. Once both projects finish, Hong Kong’s
large-scale convention and exhibition capacity will rise by more than 40%. The
Hong Kong Tourism Board will work with industry and partners to design bespoke
experiences and services for higher-spending visitors.
