8th November 2026 – (Hong Kong) Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will continue to champion large‑scale events and enhance supporting facilities to reinforce high‑value tourism and the convention and exhibition industry, highlighting the recent influx of business leaders and visitors as a boost to economic momentum.
He noted that the economy expanded by 5.2 per cent year on year in the third quarter, taking growth for the first nine months to 5.1 per cent, the fastest pace for that period in five years. Visitor arrivals in October rose by 11.8 per cent from a year earlier, while retail sales advanced 6.4 per cent in September and restaurant receipts increased 3.1 per cent in the third quarter, underscoring broad‑based improvement in domestic demand.
Chan said Phase 2 of AsiaWorld‑Expo remains on track for completion in 2028, adding a multi‑purpose arena of around 20,000 seats. Together with the Wan Chai North redevelopment, these projects are expected to expand Hong Kong’s large‑venue convention and exhibition capacity by more than 40 per cent, strengthening its appeal for international trade fairs and headline gatherings.
He added that a crowded year‑end schedule will sustain the city’s profile, including Hong Kong WinterFest, the Clockenflap music and arts festival, a slate of international sports events and concerts at Kai Tak Sports Park, and New Year countdown celebrations, with authorities focusing on service quality and visitor experience as footfall builds.
