Hong Kong hosted more than 100 large-scale business events in 1H2026, driving a 10 per cent increase in business arrivals for the period. The lineup included three record-breaking events across the medical, fintech, and education sectors that collectively drew over 20,000 professionals.
In Hong Kong, large-scale events are defined as those with at least 10,000 attendees.
The three flagship February events were: the 41st Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress, which returned for its fifth edition with over 11,000 participants; Consensus 2026, a global crypto gathering that also drew nearly 11,000 attendees; and the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education Conference 2026, which marked the region’s largest-ever higher education convention with 3,600 delegates.
Liew Chian-Jia, regional director for South-east Asia at the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), told TTGmice that the city has achieved “very strong growth” and continues to build acquisition momentum.
“We have secured about 60 more upcoming events, which will bring around 130,000 high-yield visitors to Hong Kong. We expect this momentum to continue into 2027,” Liew said.
She credited the city’s success to close collaboration between local business events professionals and government agencies.
“We are supported by world-class infrastructure. Our excellent connectivity puts us within a five-hour flight of half the world’s population, while our wide range of venues allows us to host events of all sizes,” she added.
Hong Kong’s calendar of mega festivals and art fairs also complements its business lineup, encouraging delegates to extend their stay.
This leisure appeal is central to the city’s new destination campaign, Only in Hong Kong, built around four core pillars: variety, vibrancy, contrast, and world-class quality.
According to Liew, variety is shown through distinct heritage neighbourhoods and diverse hospitality infrastructure, including over 220 halal-certified restaurants. Vibrancy comes from dynamic attractions and nightlife, while contrast highlights the city’s “East meets West” charm and balance between nature and urban energy.
Finally, Hong Kong proves its world-class status with acclaimed dining and venues. Kai Tak Sports Park was named Venue of the Year at The Stadium Business Awards 2026, while Bar Leone topped The World’s 50 Best Bars list last year. Several local properties also featured in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 list – led by Rosewood Hong Kong in the top spot for a second consecutive year, alongside The Upper House (8th) and The Peninsula Hong Kong (46th).
Liew noted that a tailored version of the campaign will soon launch for the business events sector, followed by a trade and media fam trip later this year.
To help planners navigate rising travel costs, HKTB continues to offer financial and operational assistance, including bidding funds, hospitality support, and advisory services.
Liew encouraged planners to take advantage of Hong Kong Rewards! – a perks programme for corporate groups – as well as the updated Hong Kong Incentive Playbook 2.0. The playbook now features two new themes: cruise itineraries departing from Hong Kong, and executive development programmes delivered alongside top-ranked local universities.
“Event planners can rest assured that HKTB and our partners will make things work so that every delegate feels special in Hong Kong,” she said.
