The Hong Kong Holiday and Travel Expo 2025 kicked off on Thursday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, highlighting a wide range of tourism products designed to meet evolving consumer demands. The four-day event, which builds on the success of its 2024 editions, aims to attract a broader audience, including senior residents and visitors from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
With 300 exhibitors from global tourism enterprises and organizations, the expo offers free entry and special perks for seniors, such as dedicated access lanes, tailored gifts, and exclusive discounts. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah praised these initiatives, noting their alignment with the government’s push to promote “gray consumerism” and cater to older travelers.
Yau also urged the local tourism industry to innovate and adapt to changing market trends to attract more visitors. This year’s expo features HK530,000(68,161.44) worth of gifts, including free travel SIM cards for the first 500 daily visitors. Additionally, 15,000 residents from other Greater Bay Area cities were invited to attend for free, boosting regional tourism and the exhibition economy.
A Carnival of Travel Opportunities
Carl Wong, chairman of organizer Exhibition Group Ltd, described the expo as a “carnival-like event” that not only draws crowds but also encourages spending and sparks interest in travel. Meanwhile, Tommy Tam Kwong-shun, chairman of co-organizer Hong Kong Travel Industry Council, emphasized the expo’s role in promoting immersive local tours, providing authentic travel advice, and raising awareness about tourism-related scams.
Tam highlighted the growing demand for unique and unconventional travel experiences, urging the industry to collaborate on delivering specialized products and services that meet high customer expectations.
Global and Local Attractions on Display
The expo showcases a variety of travel options, from promotions for the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, to Hong Kong Ocean Park’s panda-themed products and local attractions like Sha Tau Kok. Exhibitors are offering packages to emerging destinations such as the Middle East, Africa, and north Asia, as well as cruise services to European countries.
Matsuda Hirokazu, deputy director of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Expo, reported strong interest from Hong Kong residents, with over 1,000 tickets sold on the first day. He expressed hope that more Hong Kong tourists would explore Japan’s diverse attractions during the event, which is expected to draw 28 million visitors, including 3.5 million foreigners.
Visitors Seek Deals and Inspiration
Travel enthusiast Jessica Lam, who attends the expo annually, returned this year with friends to explore the latest travel trends and discounts. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Ricky Kwok, visiting with classmates, was pleasantly surprised by the affordability of some cruise packages. He hopes the expo will further promote Hong Kong’s rich tourism resources to both local and international visitors.
The Hong Kong Holiday and Travel Expo 2025 continues to serve as a key platform for the tourism industry, offering innovative products and services while fostering greater interest in travel among diverse audiences.
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