The Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) welcomes the Transport and Logistics Bureau of the HKSAR Government’s announcement to launch the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (the Southbound Travel Scheme) later this year, which will allow private cars from Guangdong to enter Hong Kong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), thereby enhancing the flow of community and trade visitors among the cities within the Greater Bay Area.
Representing over 100 company members, the HKECIA is delighted to learn that the Southbound Travel Scheme, with the strong support of the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong, will be rolled out in an orderly manner later this year.
Chairman of the HKECIA Mr Stuart Bailey said, “As the HKECIA’s latest annual survey shows, the number of visitors from the Mainland to “Trade” and “Trade and Consumer” exhibitions in 2024 showed the best recovery pace among all categories, growing by 21% from 2023. We are confident that our industry and Hong Kong economy as a whole will benefit from this new option for Guangdong travelers to visit Hong Kong.”
“Exhibitions are pivotal to driving the growth of supporting industries such as hotel, food and beverage, retail, entertainment, design and advertising, legal and other professional services. We look forward to the implementation of this initiative together with well-planned supporting measures later this year as a new option to facilitate the ease of travel of the Mainland visitors and hence to bring even more overnight high-spending Mainland visitors to the many events staged by our members,” said Mr Bailey.
