By South China Morning Post | Created at 2025-01-06 09:09:48 | Updated at 2025-01-07 20:12:36
1 day ago
Footfall at one of Hong Kong’s largest annual expos has returned to pre-pandemic levels, with a 30 per cent increase in visitors this year, organisers have said, although sales are expected to stagnate as shoppers spend more cautiously.
The 58th annual Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo, organised by the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, ended its 24-day run on Monday and drew around 1.3 million visitors, 30 per cent up from the 1 million last year.
“The expo fared well in both foot traffic and sales,” said Ivan Sze Wing-hang, the association’s vice-president on Monday at a press briefing.
“I would describe the situation as back to normal per pre-pandemic levels.”
The increase in visitor numbers is partly due to the multi-entry visa scheme, direct partnerships with tour agencies in mainland China and promotional activities on social media, he said.
Mainland Chinese authorities announced that Shenzhen residents would be allowed unlimited entry to Hong Kong within a year under the resumption of the multiple-entry visa scheme, with each stay not exceeding seven days. The measure began on December 1.
