In a significant development that cements its position as a global hub for the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, Hong Kong has been announced as the host city for the inaugural IBTM Asia Pacific 2025. This prestigious event, set to take place in the spring of 2025, underscores Hong Kong’s prominence in the international MICE sector and its pivotal role as a bridge connecting various global markets.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) played a crucial role in securing this landmark event for the city. This achievement is a testament to the concerted efforts and collaboration of various Hong Kong travel and tourism stakeholders, including the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Hotels Association, Hong Kong Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, and AsiaWorld-Expo.
IBTM World 2023, a globally recognized MICE trade show held in Barcelona, Spain, served as the backdrop for this announcement. Kenneth Wong, General Manager, MICE & Cruise, Regional Director, Europe of HKTB, and Vasyl Zhygalo, IBTM Portfolio Director, jointly announced the decision, marking a pivotal moment for Hong Kong on the world stage.
IBTM Asia Pacific 2025 is expected to draw over 1,500 travel trade and MICE professionals from various regions, including Mainland China, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, South Korea, and other long-haul markets. The event is a platform for business opportunities and a catalyst for consolidating Hong Kong’s reputation as the world’s meeting place.
Dr. Pang Yiu-kai, HKTB Chairman, expressed his enthusiasm for this significant achievement. “IBTM’s decision to host its inaugural flagship trade show for the Asia Pacific region in Hong Kong is a strong endorsement of our city’s international standing and its strategic position as a super-connector of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) by the global MICE industry,” he said. He emphasized that the event would attract high-yield visitors from the global travel trade and MICE industry, generating a positive ripple effect regarding word-of-mouth and future event hosting in Hong Kong.
Vasyl Zhygalo, echoing Dr Pang’s sentiments, highlighted Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a MICE destination. He pointed out the city’s diverse choice of venues, convenient transportation facilities, comprehensive professional support, and strategic geographical location as critical factors that make Hong Kong an ideal host for IBTM Asia Pacific. His confidence in the exhibition’s potential to foster connections and explore opportunities in the region is a significant endorsement for Hong Kong.
The city’s infrastructure is primed to support such a large-scale international event. Recent developments, such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the High-Speed Rail (HSR) Hong Kong Section, enhance its accessibility and connectivity. Furthermore, the ongoing transformation of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) into an Airport City, including the development of SKYCITY and the Three-runway System (3RS), is set to reinforce Hong Kong’s status as a central international aviation hub.
The IBTM Asia Pacific 2025 event will showcase Hong Kong’s unique advantages in the travel and tourism sector. It will highlight new growth opportunities and the potential for developing multi-destination tourism in the Greater Bay Area. This event is more than just a business opportunity; it is a chance for Hong Kong to display its innovative tourism offerings and experiences to a global audience.
The HKTB’s continuous efforts to bid for major MICE events reinforce Hong Kong’s commitment to enhancing its MICE sector. With robust fundamentals and new growth prospects, the city is poised to elevate its status in the global MICE industry, contributing significantly to the local economy and reaffirming its position as a world-class destination for business and leisure travellers.
As Hong Kong prepares to host IBTM Asia Pacific 2025, the world’s eyes are set on this vibrant city, ready to witness its prowess in hosting an event of such magnitude and importance. This momentous occasion will bolster Hong Kong’s global standing and pave the way for more such prestigious events in the future, solidifying its role as a leading player in the international MICE arena.
For more information about the event and its opportunities, visit the official website: IBTM Asia Pacific.
Written by: Supaporn (Joom) Pholrach
