According to an Oxford Economics study commissioned by The Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA), Hong Kong’s exhibition industry continues to drive high-yield tourism and trade, and growth across multiple local sectors. The study, covering the 2024 calendar year, reveals that the exhibition industry generated HK$50.2bn (US$6.4bn) in total economic output – equivalent to 1.6% of Hong Kong’s GDP and created some 67,000 full-time jobs.
Despite all performance indicators not yet fully returning to 2018 levels, when the sector generated HK$58.6bn in economic output, representing 2.1% of GDP, and created 77,000 full-time job, the industry continues to generate substantial economic value, particularly across exhibition-related business activities.
Of the total economic output generated in 2024, HK$23.3bn was attributable to direct spending by exhibition visitors, exhibitors, and organisers. According to the study, international exhibition visitors spent an average of HK$9,326 per trip, while overseas exhibitors recorded average expenditure of HK$9,107. Both groups significantly outpaced average overnight tourists by 70%, with an average spending of HK$5,490.
The data reinforces the sector’s role as a high-value economic driver and a critical engine for contributing to the Government’s target of raising tourism’s GDP contribution to 5% by 2029.
Commenting on the findings, Wendy Lai, chairman of HKECIA, said: “While the Hong Kong exhibition industry is gradually recovering, the steadfast backing of the government has been instrumental in this trajectory. Proactive measures, including vital financial assistance, have sustained a robust exhibition calendar and successfully attracted new international exhibitions to launch in Hong Kong. The exhibition industry remains a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s status as a premier international trade hub. Our unique advantages position us perfectly to align with the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan and propel the growth of ‘new quality productive forces’.”
Source: www.exhibitionworld.co.uk
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