The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) with Informa Markets to bring premium international
exhibition Ips to Hong Kong.
Under the three-year strategic partnership, the HKTB and
Informa Markets will work together to bring a portfolio of international
premium exhibition brands to Hong Kong and establish the city as the host
destination for The Festival of Connoisseurs (TFOC).
TFOC, which covers prestige sectors including supercars,
yachts, premium travel, fine dining and rare spirits, will expand the ‘city-as-your-showroom’
concept, which advocates promoting a whole city, rather than a single venue, into
Asia for the first time.
Dr. Peter Lam, HKTB chairman, said the collaboration would help
drive the development of Hong Kong’s tourism market and attract more
international brands and high-value visitors to the city.
“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.”
Under the agreement, HKTB will boost its international standing by participating in five of
Informa Markets’ major international high-end exhibitions in collaboration with
TFOC, including the Monaco Yacht Show; the Fort Lauderdale International Boat
Show and Jewellery Arabia.
Margaret Ma Connolly, president and CEO, Informa
Markets Asia, said the agreement would establish 'Asia's definitive luxury show platform for the long term'.
“The decision to launch TFOC here
is not simply a commercial one. It is a profound statement of conviction. We
believe Hong Kong stands as the sovereign gateway between the world’s second
largest economy and the global stage, where the Eastern prosperity meets the
Western artistry”
