According to the Oxford Economics study commissioned by The Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA), Hong Kong’s exhibition industry continues to serve as a key economic catalyst—driving high-yield sustainable tourism, international trade, and growth across multiple local sectors.
The study, covering the 2024 calendar year, reveals that the exhibition industry generated HK$50.2 billion in total economic output—equivalent to 1.6% of Hong Kong’s GDP and created some 67,000 full-time employments. Despite all performance indicators have not yet fully returned to 2018 levels, when the sector generated HK$58.6 billion in economic output, representing 2.1% of GDP, and created some 77,000 full-time employments, the industry continues to generate substantial economic value across multiple sectors through high-yield visitor spending, exhibitor expenditure, and other exhibition-related business activities.
Of the total economic output generated in 2024, HK$23.3 billion 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, Ms 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’.”
“Moving forward, we remain committed to collaborating closely with the Government to fortify Hong Kong’s strategic position as the ‘Trade Fair Capital of Asia’. By fostering a high-quality MICE ecosystem, we not only reinforce Hong Kong’s global standing, but also provide a strategic launchpad for Chinese Mainland enterprises expanding overseas. We are confident our vibrant exhibition sector will continue driving long-term economic prosperity,” Ms Lai added.
To support this vision, the HKECIA has submitted its proposal for the HKSAR Government’s 2026–2030 economic development plan. The submission outlines a comprehensive roadmap to fortify Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s premier exhibition hub and a key ”Super-Connector” and “Super Value-Adder” for national growth.
The study draws on Oxford Economics’ established global economic impact methodology and incorporates data collected from HKECIA, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML), and AsiaWorld-Expo Management Limited (AWE). It provides a comprehensive assessment of the performance and economic contribution of Hong Kong’s exhibition industry in 2024.
