Now entering its 11th anniversary year, AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) continues to prove that it’s the destination of choice for a diverse range of multi-faceted events that connect visitors to extraordinary experiences. Recent highlights of the action-packed calendar have included the debut “Arnold Classic Asia Multi-sports Festival” and “Cosmoprof Asia Hong Kong”, both of which were held at AWE last year, as well as the upcoming “Longines Masters of Hong Kong” (10-12 February 2017), which will be returning for its 5th edition at AWE, and “Critical Communications World” Conference (16-18 May 2017).
AWE’s spectacular line-up of EXPOtainment events not only reinforces AWE’s brand and reputation worldwide, it also attracts millions of high-end business travellers and further strengthens Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s capital city for MICE events, all of which directly benefits Hong Kong’s tourism, hotel, retail, logistics and related industries. Indeed, independent third-party research has shown that in 2015/16, AWE contributed HKD 27.2 billion to Hong Kong’s economy, and accounted for 9% of Lantau Island’s total GDP.* This strong momentum is reflected in AWE’s remarkable business growth, which has recorded a double-digit percentage increase annually for seven consecutive years, and achieved 66 full-house, full-capacity days. Over 300 mega events have been held at AWE (of which 43 welcomed over 8,000 participants each), and the venue now receives more than four million visitors every year. AWE’s remarkable success has earned it widespread acclaim and industry recognition, including being named the “Best Convention/Exhibition Centre in Asia Pacific (Greater China)” in the 2017 Editor’s Choice Industry Excellence Report conducted by CEI Asia Magazine, a prestigious and industry-leading MICE publication.
The HKSAR Government’s latest Policy Address, announced on 19 January 2017, specifies that a well-planned medium- to long-term strategy needs to be put in place to accommodate the sustainable expansion of Hong Kong’s convention and exhibition industry. There is broad consensus among industry players in Hong Kong, supported by authoritative consultancy studies, that there is now a shortage of space for MICE events. In evaluating proposals for additional space, it is vital to consider the substantial traffic flows generated by convention and exhibition activities, as well as the public’s expectation of how land should be used, and how a new venue will impact on the surrounding neighbourhood. AWE answers all these concerns with 570,000 square feet of ready-to-use land directly adjacent to its current facilities. Far away from residences, and yet within easy reach of all the business and hotel facilities that are scheduled for completion in the coming years, this land has been zoned for convention and exhibition use ever since AWE first opened for business 11 years ago. It is clear that the timely development of this land would play an important role in immediately relieving the shortage of convention and exhibition space in Hong Kong, while also creating many new job opportunities for residents in North Lantau and the North-west New Territories.
Mr. Allen Ha, Chief Executive Officer of AWE, remarked: “Our remarkable business growth, achieving a double-digit percentage increase annually for seven consecutive years, is solid proof of AWE’s widespread support. To keep pace with the future development of North Lantau and the North-west New Territories, AWE is now a steering member of the Aero-Bridgehead Economy Employers Network, which aims to promote the upward mobility of young talents and transform the local community into a vibrant talent hub. By supporting local development, this really is a win-win situation for everyone!”
*Source: 2015 AWE Economic Contribution Report by KPMG.
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About the Aero-Bridgehead Economy Employers Network
The Aero-Bridgehead Economy Employers Network (The Network) was established in recognition of North Lantau’s unique strategic position as a hub connecting Hong Kong to cities across the Pearl River Delta region. The strategic value of this Aero-Bridgehead Economy Zone is reflected in the upcoming completion of multiple large-scale infrastructure and development projects, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link, and the third runway at Hong Kong International Airport.
By bringing together North Lantau’s employers, The Network aims to connect the future human capital pool of Northern Lantau and the Western New Territories with the upcoming economic development in the Northern Lantau area, creating a win-win synergy whilst facilitating upward mobility of Hong Kong’s next generation.