HONG KONG, Oct. 9, 2024 — A Travel Comeback

The travel scene in Hong Kong is witnessing an explosive comeback, with residents spending a staggering US$22.7 billion on overseas trips in 2023, marking an impressive 84% jump from pre-pandemic levels. In the same year, Hong Kong saw 72.2 million departures, which is 77% of its pre-pandemic figures. The momentum has continued into 2024, with residents making 67.6 million trips in the first eight months alone, a rise of 58.4% compared to the previous year!

ITE Hong Kong 2025: A Pivotal Event

Highlighting this upward trend is the upcoming ITE Hong Kong 2025, scheduled to take place from June 12 to 15 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. This event merges the 39th ITE (Leisure) and the 20th ITE MICE, making it a pivotal platform for connecting with professionals from the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and high-end travelers from Hong Kong.

Exhibitor Engagement and Growth

The ITE has become an annual fixture since 2021 and is showcasing significant growth. The previously held ITE 2024 welcomed 515 exhibitors from 68 countries and regions. The two trade days attracted about 7,000 buyers, with over 70% coming from the Greater Bay Area, which features major cities such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou. The GBA itself boasts a hefty combined GDP of USD 1.97 trillion and a population exceeding 86 million, making it a lucrative market for travel professionals.

Public Attendance and Trends

Notably, ITE 2024 also engaged around 63,000 public visitors during its two open days, primarily targeting affluent travelers. Surveys indicate that nearly 45% of respondents traveled abroad three times or more in the first half of 2024 alone, with a similar trend expected for the latter half. Additionally, a remarkable 51% of attendees held a university degree or higher, and a conspicuous 60% expressed intentions to increase their travel budget. A travel portal reported a dramatic surge in bookings, with reservations for Paris and five-star hotels by Hong Kong residents soaring by 100% and 32% respectively over last summer compared to 2023!

Networking and Industry Recovery

The ITE is designed for networking, sharing innovative ideas, and facilitating travel planning. The B2B program includes various features such as Business Matching for quick engagements between buyers and sellers, opportunities for networking with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), and insightful seminars. On public days, independent travelers will have the chance to finalize their bookings.

Organizers and Participation Benefits

This significant event is organized by TKS Exhibition Services Ltd. and enjoys strong backing from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China, as well as the Hong Kong Tourism Board. To aid in the industry recovery, the rental rates for booth spaces will remain at 2019 levels, with early payment discounts available.

Get Involved!

For more information, visit the official expo website at www.itehk.com and stay tuned for updates. Don't miss the chance to be part of this exhilarating opportunity to explore the fast-growing markets of the Greater Bay Area at ITE Hong Kong 2025!