Multiple infrastructure projects will soon come online in Hong Kong, inspiring confidence among organisers to court new events
With numerous infrastructure projects like the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link and the third runway of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) well underway, Hong Kong’s Lantau Island is poised to become an even greater force to be reckoned with.
The country is already a hub for business and association events thanks to its direct international air connections as well as links with major cities along the Pearl River Delta.
AsiaWorld-Expo’s (AWE) CEO, Allen Ha, pointed out the HZMB will further facilitate the flow of people, cargo and services, bringing over 80 million people to a market with unprecedented opportunities for new business growth.
Ha explained: “Many organisers have already made strategic moves to relocate, or introduced new shows in Hong Kong, to enjoy the first-mover advantages and pave the way to grow their shows in a highly prospective market. For instance, after Asia Fruit Logistica’s relocation to AWE in 2012, the organiser Global Produce Events has also teamed up with Cool Logistics Resources Limited to launch the inaugural Cool Logistics Asia conference, also held at AWE, in 2015.”
AWE is also collaborating with neighbouring cities. In 2015, it signed a partnership with Zhuhai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (ZHICEC). They will jointly promote local and international sales and marketing opportunities, including working together on mega conferences to provide the concept of “one event, two venues”.
Attractions are also gearing up for bigger crowds and larger events.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) will open its third hotel in 2017. The 750-room Disney Explorers Lodge will boost the resort’s capacity to accommodate larger groups.
Ngong Ping 360 is counting on the HZMB to lift its visitorship as the future link will make it more convenient for corporate and association groups from Macau and Zhuhai to visit Hong Kong.
Managing director of Ngong Ping 360, Stella Kwan, said: “For instance, they can consider visiting Hong Kong for an event and do short stays in the country to enjoy a Lantau excursion, or have a joint Macau/Hong Kong itinerary. (Similarly), groups that visit Hong Kong may make a short trip to Macau or Zhuhai for sightseeing or business meetings. The three destinations will complement each other and become a hub by developing joint promotions and partnership projects.”
Kwan said her team is preparing for upcoming opportunities driven by HZMB, and is “considering teaming up with other theme parks and attractions in Zhuhai or Macau to develop new partnership products”.
Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel, which has stepped up its presence in Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, is planning to tackle the anticipated demand surge with refreshed and upgraded meeting spaces. The hotel has also reached out to meeting organisers to work together on long-term events and projects.
General manager of Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel, Michael Muller, said: “With our unique positioning next to AWE, HKIA and the Boundary Crossing Facilities, we anticipate more event organisers will look for opportunities in Lantau. As Hong Kong’s city centre is usually busy and congested, the new connection will (aid us when it comes to) exploring new opportunities with MICE operators based in Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. We also hope to further engage event organisers in South-east Asia who now have the option to hold dual-destination events in Zhuhai, Macau and Chek Lap Kok.”
