The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Informa Markets to bring a portfolio of premium international exhibition intellectual properties (IPs) to Hong Kong through a new global exhibition platform titled The Festival of Connoisseurs (TFOC).
The partnership aims to introduce globally influential luxury MICE events under Asia’s first-ever ‘City-as-your-showroom’ concept, designed to position Hong Kong as a leading destination for high-end business events and tourism. The initiative is also expected to attract high-value international visitors and strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a global meetings and exhibitions hub.
The signing ceremony was held in Hong Kong on May 27 and was witnessed by Dr Peter Lam and Stephen Carter. The MoU was officially signed by Anthony Lau and Margaret Ma Connolly.
Dr Lam said: “This partnership is of great significance. It not only elevates Hong Kong’s position as a premier global destination for high-end MICE tourism, but also affirms the city’s vital role as a ‘super-connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’ between the Chinese Mainland and the world. At the same time, the collaboration drives the development of Hong Kong’s high-end tourism market and helps attract more international brands and high-value visitors to the city.”
Ma Connolly added: “Hong Kong has been at the heart of Informa’s story in Asia for over three decades… By bringing together the resources, know-how and expertise of Informa’s global luxury portfolio and anchoring them here in Hong Kong, we are establishing Asia’s definitive luxury show platform for the long term.”
Under the agreement, HKTB and Informa Markets will position Hong Kong as the host city of TFOC from 2026 to 2028, developing it into an annual flagship MICE event with expanding international reach. Unlike traditional exhibition models, the ‘City-as-your-showroom’ concept will extend across multiple landmarks and iconic locations throughout Hong Kong.
The exhibition platform will cover sectors including supercars, yachts, haute jewellery and horology, luxury travel, private aviation, fine dining, rare spirits, art, luxury properties and wellness. HKTB will also collaborate with Informa Markets at major international luxury exhibitions including the Monaco Yacht Show, Palm Beach International Boat Show, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Jewellery Arabia and Top Marques Monaco.
Source: Exhibition News UK
