HKTB says that the event is expected to attract more than 1,500 travel trade and MICE professionals in Hong Kong heartland
Hong Kong will be the host to IBTM (Incentives, Business Travel & Meetings) Asia Pacific in spring 2025, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has announced in a press statement.
According to HKTB, IBTM Asia Pacific 2025 is expected to attract more than 1,500 travel trade and MICE professionals from the mainland, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, South Korea and other markets in the region and long-haul markets.
HKTB says that the event will provide an ideal platform for Hong Kong, mainland and overseas travel agents, hotels, MICE venues, attractions, airlines and other industry players to explore business opportunities to help consolidate Hong Kong’s as the ‘world’s meeting place.’
Pang Yiu-kai
“IBTM’s decision to host its inaugural flagship trade show for the Asia Pacific region in Hong Kong is a strong testament to Hong Kong’s international standing and its unique role as a super-connector of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) by the global MICE industry. The event will not only bring more than 1,500 high-yield visitors from the global travel trade and MICE industry to Hong Kong but will also generate positive word-of-mouth with their personal experience. This, in turn, will help bring more MICE events to Hong Kong, creating a multiplier effect contributing to the city’s economy,” says Pang Yiu-kai, Chairman, Hong Kong Tourism Board.
HKTB says that in order to bring this APAC flagship event to Hong Kong, it teamed up with the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Hotels Association, Hong Kong Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions and AsiaWorld-Expo to underline Hong Kong’s latest tourism updates and growth momentum, its unique edges as well as the city’s potential in developing multi-destination tourism.
Vasyl Zhygalo
“Hong Kong comes with various competitive edges, such as its diverse choice of venues, convenient transport facilities and the provision of comprehensive professional support. Geographically, it is well positioned as a gateway between the world and the Mainland, especially cities in the GBA, which makes the city the ideal host of IBTM Asia Pacific. I am confident that this exhibition will help MICE trade members in different markets establish contacts with each other and explore opportunities in the region,” says Vasyl Zhygalo, IBTM Portfolio Director.
The statement adds that Hong Kong’s new infrastructural developments are designed to advance business events with easier accessibility, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the High-Speed Rail (HSR) (Hong Kong Section) that connects to 73 Mainland stations.
The statement adds that Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is transforming from a city airport into an airport city, including the development of Skycity and the three-runway system (3RS). HKIA is capable of handling an annual passenger volume of 120 million when the 3RS operates in full.
With strong fundamentals, new growth opportunities coupled with novel tourism offerings and experiences, the HKTB says it will continue to bid for major MICE events for Hong Kong and adding impetus to the city’s MICE sector.
