The Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) has claimed its latest annual exhibition survey highlights strong momentum across the sector despite a volatile global economic backdrop that has seen a big drop in international exhibitor and visitor numbers. The new survey, covering the 2025 calendar year, acts as an important barometer of the performance of the industry.
For the first time since the pandemic, Hong Kong hosted 152 large-scale exhibitions (i.e. those occupying over 2,000sqm of floor space), surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This milestone underscores the city’s resilience and reaffirms its MICE credentials.
Visitor attendance at ‘trade’ and ‘trade and consumer’ fairs reached 1.62 million, representing a recovery to 87% of the 1.86 million recorded in 2019. Total exhibition space rented also recorded solid growth, rising 11.5% to exceed 924,000sqm.
Commenting on the survey findings, new chairman of the HKECIA Ms Wendy Lai said: “This upward trajectory reflects sustained market demand for Hong Kong as a leading global exhibition hub. The Government’s Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions (ISRE 2.0) has been instrumental in enabling organisers to launch new themed fairs and expand existing events, further enhancing Hong Kong’s attractiveness to international organisers.”
Despite the increase in event volume, a concerning trend has emerged regarding exhibitor and international visitor numbers. Exhibitor participation in the ‘trade’ and ‘trade consumer’ segments declined by 8%, falling from nearly 52,000 to approximately 47,000 companies. International visitors also recorded a significant drop of 17.5% to 115,000.
“While the industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and capability, it faces significant headwinds ahead. An uncertain global economic outlook, policy volatility, and the conclusion of government support measures such as ISRE 2.0 are expected to place considerable financial pressure on organisers, making it more challenging to launch new themed exhibitions and sustain recurring events,” Ms Lai added.
The HKECIA has also elected 18 members to fill the seats on its Executive Committee.
Source: www.exhibitionworld.co.uk
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