This city has made a big comeback

New hotels, revamped venues, and a global spotlight are powering Hong Kong’s return as a major MICE destination. 

Hong Kong’s appeal to event planners remains strong as ever, as a new crop of hotels and venues complement the city’s existing MICE infrastructure.
Hong Kong’s appeal to event planners remains strong as ever, as a new crop of hotels and venues complement the city’s existing MICE infrastructure. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/leungchopan

Hong Kong Tourism Board’s push for mega-events, combined wit new measures from the Central Government, looks to be paying off. As of early 2025, the city has confirmed 140 major MICE events for 2025 including Hong Kong’s first crypto event, Consensus Hong Kong 2025, aviation-focused Routes World 2025, and Informa Markets’ Connect Marketplace.

“Leveraging the successes of recent Web3 events and the inauguration of the Kai Tak Stadium, we eagerly anticipate hosting an increased number of guests from burgeoning industries and large-scale events,” said Ann Foo, director of sales & marketing, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.

“As a hub for international events, Hong Kong continually attracts visitors and meeting organisers to this vibrant city.” said GP Yeow, general manager, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s strategic position is still a drawcard for events. “As a hub for international events, Hong Kong continually attracts visitors and meeting organisers to this vibrant city,” said GP Yeow, general manager, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong.

“As the global hub for business and travel, Hong Kong is undoubtedly the centre point within Asia to increase the footprint and launch [Connect Marketplace Hong Kong],” said Informa’s Benson Tang, general manager, Tourism and Corporate Travel.

Related: Hong Kong: Where the world meets in Super March

Anita Chan, senior vice president – global brand marketing and innovation & technology at Dorsett Hospitality International, anticipates that Hong Kong’s MICE sector will recover by mid-2025, bolstered by the city’s line-up of major events and proactive government strategies – ranging from supporting diverse gatherings to showcasing Hong Kong’s role as super-connector to mainland markets.

Infrastructure is still expanding. Leading the charge is the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), featuring the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium. Opened in March with the Hong Kong Sevens, the stadium will also welcome concerts by Coldplay, Jay Chou, Nicholas Tse, and the 15th National Games.

The Lyric Theatre foyer in the upcoming West Kowloon Performing Arts Centre.
The Lyric Theatre foyer in the upcoming West Kowloon Performing Arts Centre. Photo Credit: The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority

KTSP offers a 2,141 sqm function lounge, a 1,620 sqm South Stand and adaptable suites for exhibitions, AGMs. Its 10,000-seat Indoor Sports Centre boasts 17 function rooms, while outdoor spaces at the Event Village and Main Plaza provide 17,400 sqm for all-weather events, enriched by heritage art activations and a dedicated dining precinct.

According to the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, 92,665 hotel rooms across 333 properties will be in place by 2026. Notable launches include the Hopewell Hotel in Wanchai, Dorsett Kai Tak, Kimpton Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui, and the 274-room Motto in Sheung Wan.

These hotels join established venues such as Asia-World Expo and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, along with an array of attractions such as Tai Kwun and the recently opened East Kowloon Cultural Centre. The 120,000 sqm GO PARK Sai Sha near Sai Kung will add a 1,500-seat indoor stadium to the mix.

Also forthcoming is Skytopia, a HK$100 billion commercial and leisure development with art storage, a marina, a waterpark, a gourmet market, and accommodations. Meanwhile, the West Kowloon Performing Arts Centre is set for a 2026 debut.

Related: Hong Kong’s new airport city is taking off

This article first appeared in the April-June 2025 issue of M&C Asia as part of the “A big rebound is underway” feature. Click here to read more from this issue.