The Hong Kong Book Fair, co-located with the Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), offering a multi-faceted platform for cultural, sporting, and culinary experiences. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the events run through 21 July, providing a significant draw for business travellers and leisure tourists alike.
At the opening ceremony, Cheuk Wing-hing, Acting Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivered an address, while HKTDC Chairman Professor Frederick Ma welcomed attendees. Ma emphasised the fair’s role as a major cultural event in Asia, fostering cultural exchange and mutual learning. This year’s theme, “Reading the World: Cultural Legacy, Joyful Journeys,” encourages exploration of global cultures through literature, aligning with Hong Kong’s positioning as a vibrant destination for cultural tourism.
Exhibitor Line-Up and Seminar Series
The fair hosts over 770 exhibitors, including publishers, cultural organisations, and travel-related vendors. The Eight Seminar Series connects readers with authors and cultural figures, featuring speakers such as Cheng Po-hung, who will discuss Hong Kong’s historical landmarks, and Chinese modern literature scholar Xu Zidong. The English and International Reading Seminar Series includes British poet Luke Kennard and Swedish novelist Kristina Dowling, among others. These sessions offer networking opportunities for travel professionals interested in literary tourism and cultural programming.
The World of Art & Culture exhibition, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, invites visitors to explore cultural discovery through literature, with interactive installations and over 200 books on display. This enhances the cultural experience for attendees, potentially inspiring new itineraries for tour operators and destination marketers.
Sports and Leisure Expo: 35th Anniversary
The Sports and Leisure Expo celebrates its 35th anniversary with tributes to Hong Kong athletes and interactive challenges. The Travel & Tourism zone introduces Türkiye and Korea, offering insights into their cultures and arts. This provides a platform for destination marketing organisations to showcase their offerings to a global audience, including travel agents and tour operators seeking new experiences for clients.
For travel industry professionals, the event underscores Hong Kong’s appeal as a MICE destination. The HKCEC, a premier venue for trade shows and conferences, continues to attract large-scale events that drive business travel and hotel bookings. Hotels such as the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay and The Leela have recently been recognised in luxury travel awards, highlighting the region’s commitment to high-quality hospitality.
The culinary component, World of Snacks, adds a gastronomic dimension that appeals to food tourism, a growing segment for travel agents and tour operators. This aligns with broader trends in destination marketing, where unique culinary experiences drive visitor engagement.
Travel technology vendors and GDS systems can leverage such events to connect with industry stakeholders, while cruise lines and airlines may find opportunities to promote packages tied to cultural festivals. The fair’s timing during the summer season positions it as a key attraction for both regional and international visitors.
For further reading on cultural tourism initiatives, see the Hong Kong Palace Museum’s expanded youth programme and the World Cup 2026 multi-city itineraries that are reshaping travel patterns.
