Hong Kong event organisers urge government to expand types of shows it promotes abroad, enhance subsidies for MICE sector

Industry leader Stuart Bailey shares optimistic outlook for sector, but says challenges such as shortages in labour and flight capacity remain

Authorities should be more open-minded when promoting the city, managing director Culsin Li says

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A pearl, black diamond and ruby necklace at a jewellery exhibition in 2022. Bookings for exhibitions and conventions in the city this year are robust, an industry leader says. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 8:30am, 23 Feb 2024Updated: 6:37pm, 23 Feb 2024

Hong Kong event organisers and tourism industry representatives have urged the government to expand the range of expos it promotes internationally and broaden the scope of subsidies for conventions, after the commerce chief expressed optimism about the sector’s recovery.

Chairman of the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association Stuart Bailey shared a positive outlook for the sector after Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah earlier said the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry could return or even exceed pre-pandemic levels this year, after a 70 to 80 per cent recovery in 2023.

“Bookings for exhibitions and conventions are robust, and despite economic challenges, we are seeing positive indications that emphasise the value of face-to-face events in fostering business relationships,” Bailey said.

But he acknowledged some challenges remained, such as labour shortages and limits on long-haul flight capacity, adding the association would address these issues by continuing to collaborate with the government.

The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show both took place at the same time last year and drew 2,500 exhibitors. Photo: Dickson Lee

Culsin Li Suen-hong, whose firm Baobab Tree Event Management Company was scheduled to hold a trade show on vegetarian products at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in March, suggested authorities should broaden the types of shows they promoted abroad to refresh the city’s image.