2016年4月14日 星期四

Trading Event and Event Tourism

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)

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:

Date
Event
January
HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair
Hong Kong International Stationery Fair
Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair
April
Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair
September
Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair
November
Hong Kong Optical Fair
December
World SME Expo
HKTDC InnoDesignTech Expo
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.


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