Hong Kong Book Fair Draws Nearly 1 Million Visitors, Boosting Local Cultural Scene

34th Hong Kong Book Fair, Sports and Leisure Expo, and World of Snacks drew 990,000 visitors, celebrating literature, sports, and global cuisine with 760 exhibitors.

on Jul 25, 2024

Hong Kong Book Fair Draws Nearly 1 Million Visitors, Boosting Local Cultural Scene

The 34th Hong Kong Book Fair, along with the 7th Sports and Leisure Expo and 4th World of Snacks, hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded its successful week-long run with an impressive total of 990,000 visits. The three concurrent events showcased 760 exhibitors and offered diverse activities, blending literary enjoyment with interactive sports and global cuisine experiences.

Sophia Chong, Acting Executive Director of HKTDC, highlighted the success of these events, noting the Book Fair's role in uniting literature enthusiasts and drawing significant attendance from Mainland China. During the fair, books related to the event theme, Film and TV Literature, were sought after. The World of Art & Culture showcased film and television exhibits from 31 countries and regions, accompanied by a variety of cultural activities and interactive facilities. The other events also contributed to local economic activity and consumption.

Survey results from over 820 attendees revealed a 4.6% increase in average spending at the Book Fair, reaching HK$912, which represents 74% of annual print book spending. Visitors primarily sought new releases, discounts, and the cultural ambiance of the fair. Additionally, 90% of exhibitors accepted electronic payments, with 72% of visitors utilizing this payment method.

Cultural July along with the book fair, continues to promote reading with over 600 events, including author sessions, storytelling, and cultural workshops, running until July 31. The Book Fair’s website and HKTDC platforms offer recordings of select seminars for those who missed them.

The Sports and Leisure Expo featured engaging activities like zipline experiences and Tai Chi Robot demonstrations, while the World of Snacks presented over 1,200 global treats, with cooling options being particularly popular.

Upcoming HKTDC events include the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, Food Expo PRO, and more, scheduled throughout the year to continue driving local economic growth and cultural engagement.