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However, the Hong Kong economy also needs international business travellers and visitors with high spending power. Hong Kong welcomed only around 774,000 visitors from Europe and the Americas in the first seven months of the year, compared to over 3.3 million in 2019.
The trade fair industry plays a role here. A study by the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association found that the exhibition industry injected HK$53 billion into the local economy in 2014, representing 2.3 per cent of the city’s gross domestic product. Trade fair participants spent on average over HK$12,700 per visit, 61 per cent higher than general overnight visitors, largely on the retail, hotel and food and beverage sectors.
Last year, international trade fairs for jewellery and leather relocated from Hong Kong to Singapore. Thankfully, these events have returned to the city, testament to the industry expertise and superior facilities here.
However, organising a trade exhibition in the so-called new normal is not easy. Even if organisers have the confidence to recruit enough exhibitors from around Asia to fill the Convention and Exhibition Centre, the fair’s success also depends on incoming visitors.
With buyers from Europe and the Americas less likely to visit Hong Kong, organisers are working hard to explore new markets. To attract more visitors from the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Russia, and to retain those from Europe and the Americans, Mega Show has decided to provide about 900 five-star hotel rooms for free and cash subsidies of up to US$200 per eligible buyer.
It is hoped that the subsidies will not only attract visitors to the fair but also boost the local economy through the travel, accommodation, F&B and entertainment sectors.
It would make sense for the Hong Kong government to provide greater support for business-to-business trade exhibitions and reconsider its efforts in rebuilding a vibrant economy. Assistance to industries that are willing and able to tap new markets and bring in visitors can complement its push to boost consumption locally.
Duncan Cheung, founder, Mega Show
Dripping air conditioners must be dealt with seriously
On the rare occasions that our apartment air conditioning units drip, the management company of our estate tells us that this is illegal and that the dripping has to be fixed immediately.
If dripping is illegal, then who is responsible for the enforcement of the relevant law?
It is indeed uncomfortable as a pedestrian walking the pavements to be constantly dodging the dripping from above. Why does it seem as if no authority is doing anything about this, and demanding flat occupants take action to stop the water falling on pedestrians?
This does not just occur in isolated places; it is an extensive problem on Hong Kong’s pavements.
Ray Bagshaw, North Point
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