Following an extensive and competitive bid process, RX Global and Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) are delighted to announce Hong Kong as the host destination for the inaugural IBTM Asia Pacific 2025.
IBTM, a trusted brand in the meetings & events industry, will now provide a platform for destinations & suppliers in the Asia Pacific region to showcase their offering to a global network of event professionals.
Vasyl Zhygalo, Portfolio Director, IBTM, commented: “The Asia Pacific market is among the fastest growing in the world. The region’s MICE industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% to reach $441.1 billion by 2025. We are confident that now is the right time to showcase the wealth of opportunity in culturally diverse region.”
Discussing the bid process, Zhygalo said: “Hong Kong’s bid was notable for the city’s outstanding tourism recovery pace and ever-growing momentum. We were impressed by the significant investment into the already world-class infrastructure, as well as support by local government, which makes placing business in the Greater Bay Area – and the wider Asia Pacific region, easy.
Hong Kong is the choice destination for IBTM Asia Pacific, considering the city’s longstanding status as a hub for the region’s MICE industry. We are absolutely delighted to partner with HKTB for what promises to be an exceptional event.”
Kenneth Wong, General Manager, MICE & Cruise and Regional Director, Europe, HKTB, commented: “We’re excited to welcome IBTM Asia Pacific 2025 to Hong Kong! This is a strong vote of confidence reinforcing the city’s status as the world’s meeting place, and a strategic move for IBTM to leverage Hong Kong’s competitive edges and the city’s booming MICE tourism to expand its portfolio. Hong Kong, as a leading tourism hub connecting Mainland China and the world, provides an ideal platform for IBTM Asia Pacific 2025 to converge international and regional suppliers and buyers and grow its presence in this region.”
Hong Kong’s Strong Trade Partnership and New Opportunities for Growth
HKTB presented a strong proposal in close partnership with Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Hotels Association, Hong Kong Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, and AsiaWorld-Expo, and highlighted Hong Kong as the gateway to the high-potential Greater Bay Area and Mainland China offering new opportunities for growth.
Hong Kong’s new infrastructural developments are also set to take business events to new heights. Excellent accessibility is enabled through state-of-the-art cross-boundary transport infrastructure including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the High-Speed Rail (HSR) (Hong Kong Section) that connects to 73 Mainland stations.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is transforming from a city airport into an Airport City, including the development of SKYCITY and the Three-runway System (3RS). HKIA is capable in handling an annual passenger volume of 120 million when the 3RS operates in full. The developments will further strengthen Hong Kong as an international aviation hub and create a new landmark for Hong Kong.
IBTM Asia Pacific will bring together some of the best-known suppliers and event planners from the region and the world for two days of pre-arranged one-to-one business meetings, underpinned by the same innovative matchmaking technology utilised for all IBTM events.
Dynamic Hong Kong Offers Enriched Event Experiences
IBTM World Event Director, Claudia Hall, was excited about the announcement: “I’m looking forward to bringing our world-class IBTM product to Asia Pacific and showcasing the vibrant, diverse offerings that the region has to offer.
“Hong Kong’s new tourism offerings, experiences, and position as a cultural hub, will no doubt spark imagination among our global network of event organisers. We look forward to welcoming you!”
IBTM Asia Pacific will take place in the spring of 2025. Venue and dates will be announced in due course. For more information, visit the IBTM Asia Pacific website.