Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre has become the first MICE venue in Hong Kong to be accredited with CrescentRating’s Gold Certification for MICE venues. Photo Credit: Pixabay/AdamHillTravel
Hong Kong is expected to welcome a greater number of business travellers in 2025, as a result of the range of conferences it will be hosting and new updates to venues.
AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) hosted a banquet last week to commemorate its 20th anniversary and to mark a number of events that will take place in 2025, such as the large-scale convention Connect Marketplace Hong Kong and the UFI Global Congress. It will also host four technology-focused exhibitions, including held Build4Asia 2025, The Battery Show Asia, Mobility Tech Asia and the brand-new Data Center Asia.
Other events taking place at AWE include the indoor equestrian event Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show, Asia’s first version of a 50-year established London show, which is renowned as one of the world's most prestigious indoor equestrian events. Additionally, there will be the aviation-sector-focused Routes World 2025 and Airspace Asia Pacific 2025, both of which will be held in Hong Kong for the first time.
Related: In AWE of a hub for events, culture, and innovation
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) meanwhile has become the first MICE venue in Hong Kong to be accredited with the Gold Certification for MICE venues by Halal travel promotion company CrescentRating, which promotes Muslim-friendly business activities and tourism. This is the highest-level award of its kind.
HKCEC said it is expected that many of the international exhibitions and conferences held at the HKCEC will increasingly attract Muslim exhibitors, buyers and visitors. There are separate prayer areas with prayer mats at the venue for male and female users and the restrooms next to the prayer room are now equipped with water-friendly services, including hand shower and ablution facilities. The venue also caters for Muslim dietary needs, providing Halal-certified food during events as well as tailor-made Halal menus.
Hong Kong is also ramping up its shopping and entertainment offering, with the opening of Kai Tak Mall. The mall is located next to Kai Tak Sports Park and aims to be a premier ‘sportainment’ destination. Spanning nearly 650,000 sqm, the mall offers a diverse mix of fashion, dining, and entertainment options. These include Joypolis Sports, which spans 2,800 sqm across five floors. The flagship complex features three major zones with interactive attractions blending cutting-edge technology and entertainment and includes Sonic Stadium, an interactive entertainment centre.