In previous post I was discussing the relationship
between sport event and event tourism. I referred to Hong Kong Sevens and
Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival as supporting examples. I have cited published
statistics from official governmental authorities. This time I will
analyze the relationship between Trading Event and tourism. In the next
paragraphs, I will cite from sources like Hong Kong Trade and Development
Council to provide those event how they lead Hong Kong’s economic and tourism
affect. Let me introduce some special term before moving
on.
What is Trade?
“Trade” refers to an
economic activity that involves multiple parties participating in the voluntary
negotiation and then the exchange of one's goods and services for desired goods
and services that someone else possesses.
(Source:
http://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/trade.asp)
What is Trading Event?
On the other hand, a “Trading
Event”, which may also sometimes be referred as trade shows or trade fairs,
usually come in the form of massive,
stage-set, and regularly at which
a large number of manufacturers from
a particular industry present their products and show their capabilities to distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and end-users. Some world famous trade fairs are used to provide widespread interactions and exposure, and to identify new market trends and industry opportunities.
(Source: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/trade-fair.html#ixzz46wrekwGQ)
(Source: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/trade-fair.html#ixzz46wrekwGQ)
In Hong Kong, the Trade and Development Council is
responsible for holding different local and internationally renowned trade
events to boost tourism. There have been several events that have established
their renowned significance and contributing to the tourism development in Hong
Kong. By looking into the events held by HKTDC, it may help us reach a deeper
understanding of some of the more important local trade events and finding
their corresponding linkages and contribution to tourism.
The below table is a calendar of major trade events held by HKTDC
in 2015:
|
Source from:
(http://www.hktdc.com/info/trade-events/EX/en/Exhibitions.htm)
We should also take a look at the tourist statistics in order
to justify the relation with the annual trade show schedule.
the total Visitor Overnight by Month (IN THOUSANDS)
|
||||||
MONTH/YEAR
|
2015
|
2014
|
2013
|
2012
|
2011
|
2010
|
July
|
2,325.7
|
2,629.6
|
2,383.9
|
2,290.8
|
2,140.5
|
1,828
|
August
|
2,666.5
|
2,847.3
|
2,697.6
|
2,477.7
|
2,234.6
|
1,958.9
|
September
|
2,017.6
|
2,038.9
|
1,954.3
|
1,725.8
|
1,632.7
|
1,446.7
|
october
|
2,373.7
|
2,299.3
|
2,091.5
|
2,018.2
|
1,948.7
|
1,732.3
|
november
|
2,203.1
|
2,225.6
|
2,109.6
|
2,032.9
|
1,878.4
|
1,660.9
|
december
|
2,402.7
|
2,535.5
|
2,483.7
|
2,310
|
2,194.4
|
1,978
|
The month with the highest
amount of overnight visitors in the table presented has been highlighted in
yellow, while the 2nd highest month
has been highlighted in green, for better referencing. According to the
information gathered, August has been
the month with the highest consistent amount of total visitors overnight
throughout June to December each year (for the 3rd and 4th
quarters combined), whereas December
has been on average the second highest month in terms of total overnight
visitors starting from 2010 onwards.
In December, two major trade shows are being featured.The
first is the World SME Expo, which features different small-medium enterprises
who get together and exchange ideas, products and carry out trade to foster
potential business co-operation. It has been successful over the years and has
gradually grown into a platform where entrepreneurs and business from all over
the world meet each year in Hong Kong.
The second is the InnoDesignTech Expo. Each year, different
up-and coming enterprises featuring the newest technological trends, and
designers from all fields will come together and showcase their newest
products. Trade is fostered as buyers are welcomed to go to the show and pick
their fondest choice. This has also grown into a renowned event, booming and
making a name for itself, amassing the global technological talents and elites
in December each year.
As we can draw from the above statistics and data sources, we
are able to observe the positive impact and economic benefits the trade events
in Hong Kong brings to the fostering of local tourism industry and development.
Just taking December as an example, the featuring of two major trade events
have had more than enough reason to bring about an influx of customers to Hong
Kong and foster the forward movement of tourism development.
In conclusion, festive, sports and trade events all
contribute in their own ways to the economic development and tourism industry
in Hong Kong. One should not overlook their importance but acknowledge and
recognize their crucial roles they play in today’s society.
