Chinese tech giants rushed to secure stablecoin licenses in Hong Kong after it adopted new laws, but Beijing has now stepped in, suspending these plans.
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The Global Sources Sports & Outdoor Show, which is currently taking place in Hong Kong, will turn out to be a landmark event in the outdoors and sports tourism industries. The show, which takes place until October 30, 2025, at AsiaWorld-Expo, will exhibit over 600 exhibitors from throughout Asia displaying the latest inventions in sports equipment, outdoor gear, and apparel, with new trends like pickleball and World Cup-themed products receiving special attention. The event is likely to be the main attraction for about 15,000 professional buyers; thus, it not only emphasises the prosperous outdoor recreation market but also the flourishing global sports tourism industry.
One of the standout trends at this year’s show is the rapid growth of pickleball, a sport that has seen a meteoric rise in popularity worldwide. With 48 million active players globally and projections to reach 100 million by 2030, pickleball is increasingly becoming a significant force in the sports industry. As China leads the way in manufacturing pickleball paddles, producing over 70% of the world’s supply, the Global Sources Sports & Outdoor Show offers a comprehensive pickleball ecosystem to cater to both recreational players and professional athletes.
Exhibitors are displaying a wide range of pickleball products, including high-performance paddles made from carbon fiber, fibreglass, and polymer composites, as well as competition balls that meet international tournament standards. The Pickleball Expo Cup 2025, which features corporate and open divisions, is set to make waves in the industry. Visitors to the show will also have the opportunity to watch live demonstrations by Hong Kong’s top-ranked pickleball players, offering an immersive experience for tourists and buyers alike.
With its blend of competitive and recreational elements, pickleball represents an exciting growth opportunity for sports tourism. The sport is attracting travelers who are not only seeking new activities but also exploring unique destinations where they can enjoy their favorite pastime. This trend will continue to grow as more resorts, hotels, and tourism boards recognize the appeal of pickleball-friendly travel experiences.
Looking ahead to 2026, the World Cup will generate a surge of international tourism and product demand, and the Global Sources Sports & Outdoor Show is already tapping into this momentum. A special World Cup-themed area at the event showcases football equipment, match support merchandise, and customized football-themed souvenirs, all made with eco-friendly materials. Visitors will find a wide range of professional football apparel and customized products like team jerseys, scarves, and flags, which are expected to be popular for match viewing parties and fan experiences.
The show also emphasizes personalized football merchandise, offering buyers flexible customization services for small-batch production and rapid sampling, ideal for the growing football tourism market. As tourists flock to World Cup host countries, these products will allow them to engage with the event on a deeper level, creating an immersive experience for fans. The football experience zone at the show allows buyers to actively participate in football activities, offering a taste of the excitement that will soon captivate the world in 2026.
In addition to sports equipment, the Global Sources Sports & Outdoor Show features a wide array of innovative outdoor products. As outdoor tourism becomes more popular, this showcase offers everything from multifunctional backpacks and high-performance camping stoves to portable water bottles and camping refrigerators. Products are designed with the adventurous traveler in mind, from ergonomic backpacks made with waterproof, abrasion-resistant materials to lightweight camping carts that combine portability with rugged durability.
As sustainable tourism continues to grow, eco-friendly outdoor products are becoming a key focus at this year’s show. Companies are showcasing intelligent, sustainable innovations designed to meet the needs of travelers who prioritize both adventure and environmental responsibility. The introduction of solar-powered camping gear, recycled materials for outdoor equipment, and energy-efficient solutions helps ensure that outdoor experiences remain accessible while minimizing their environmental impact.
The Global Sources Sports & Outdoor Show emphasizes interactive experiences to engage visitors in a hands-on way. The Indoor Triathlon Invitation Competition simulates skiing, cycling, and rowing challenges, giving attendees the chance to experience the thrill of these sports using professional equipment. These competitions add an exciting dimension to the event and offer tourists an immersive way to participate in global sports trends.
In addition, the Sports Innovation Forum during the event will explore the future of sports tourism, discussing sustainable material applications, sportswear design, and how performance enhancement intersects with travel experiences. This forum will provide key insights into how sports tourism can evolve to meet the growing demand for sustainable, active travel options.
The Global Sources Sports & Outdoor Show held in Hong Kong is not only a trade fair; it is also a major event for the development of the sports and outdoor tourism industry. The exhibition, which covers a wide range of products, including pickleball paddles, football merchandise, and advanced outdoor equipment, gives the visitor an insight into the changing face of sports tourism. The event takes the active and eco-friendly travel experience trend and makes it the norm, which will give the world outdoor activities and sports tourism in the next decade.
The post Global Sources Sports and Outdoor Show: A Hub for Emerging Sports Tourism, What You Need To Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival 2025 returns with a lively theme, “REMIX. BEST OF ALL WORLDS”, highlighting the city’s gastronomic charm and cementing its position as a worldwide culinary hub. Organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), its annual flagship edition from October 23 to 26, 2025, is more than about food and beverage—it’s about making memories for tourists and celebrating the confluence of gastronomy, tourism, and business travel. The festival is a key component of the HKTB’s long-term strategy to establish Hong Kong as a leading tourism destination, with a focus on high-yield tourism and luxury travel.
The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival plays a pivotal role in establishing the city as a leading epicurean capital. Gastronomy tourism, where food and culinary experiences become key elements of the travel experience, has seen exponential growth globally, and Hong Kong is capitalizing on this trend by showcasing its rich cultural diversity, culinary traditions, and world-class restaurant scene. Visitors from all over the world travel to Hong Kong to indulge in its vibrant food culture, ranging from street food markets to Michelin-starred dining experiences.
Hong Kong’s culinary offerings extend beyond food alone; the city is a melting pot of flavors and international influences, blending local Cantonese cuisine with global flavors brought by international chefs. From dim sum and roast goose to international wine pairings, the festival celebrates this fusion of cultures and provides a unique space for food lovers, tourists, and gastronomists to experience new tastes and creative interpretations of traditional dishes.
A major component of this year’s festival was its integration with MICE tourism—a rapidly growing segment in the global tourism market. Business tourism and conventions are crucial drivers of high-yield travel, and the HKTB strategically used the festival as an opportunity to engage top-tier travel agents, convention organizers, and business partners from around the world.
By hosting an exclusive sommelier wine-pairing private tour and the “Toast to Success: Hong Kong Top Travel Agents Celebration & Gala Dinner,” the HKTB highlighted Hong Kong’s capacity to host premium events and high-profile guests. The gala dinner, featuring an exquisite Cantonese tasting menu curated by five master chefs, not only celebrated culinary excellence but also emphasized Hong Kong’s dual identity as a luxury travel destination and a global MICE powerhouse.
In tandem with the festival, the HKTB launched the “Hong Kong Incentive Playbook 2.0: New Discovery Product Update” at the Ocean Park Marriott Hotel. This initiative aims to drive high-yield MICE tourism through the introduction of innovative incentive products and tailored experiences for corporate events and incentive groups. By offering customized itineraries, luxury hotel stays, and exclusive gastronomic experiences, the Incentive Playbook 2.0 positions Hong Kong as a leading destination for incentive travel and corporate meetings.
The program also includes strategic partnerships with major airlines, hotels, and event planners to offer a seamless tourism experience for corporate clients. This innovative approach to MICE tourism not only caters to business visitors but also promotes Hong Kong’s global tourism appeal, encouraging high-spending tourists and business delegations to experience the city’s cultural richness alongside its luxury offerings.
The growing interest in sustainable tourism is a significant trend in the global tourism industry, and the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival addresses this by promoting eco-friendly practices and sustainable culinary tourism. With a focus on local sourcing, organic ingredients, and sustainable food practices, the festival underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to becoming a sustainable tourism destination. Local chefs and restaurant owners are encouraged to embrace eco-friendly practices, from zero-waste cooking to responsible sourcing of ingredients, ensuring that the culinary sector contributes to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The festival also emphasizes the importance of promoting sustainable tourism in local communities. By encouraging responsible travel and highlighting local food producers, farmers, and artisans, the event supports local economies while offering tourists an authentic and sustainable experience of Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival is more than just a celebration of food—it is a platform for cultural exchange. Food tourism fosters cross-cultural understanding, as tourists can experience a destination’s cultural diversity through its culinary offerings. Hong Kong’s multicultural environment makes it a perfect location for showcasing how gastronomy can be a vehicle for cultural diplomacy and international collaboration. The festival brings together chefs, food experts, and international tourists, allowing them to share their culinary traditions, try new dishes, and learn from each other.
The Wine & Dine Festival is part of HKTB’s larger strategy to increase year-round tourism in Hong Kong. By offering seasonal events such as the festival alongside year-round culinary experiences, the HKTB is helping to extend the appeal of Hong Kong as a culinary tourism destination. Whether it’s a Michelin-starred meal, a street food tour, or a private dining experience, Hong Kong’s gastronomy scene remains a year-round attraction for both tourists and business travelers.
With its exclusive combination of gastronomy, luxury tourism, and MICE tourism, the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2025 has re-established Hong Kong as a top global tourist destination. The HKTB’s multi-pronged strategy of tourism promotion through high-yield tourism, sustainable tourism, and culinary innovation puts Hong Kong in a cutting-edge position in the global tourism industry. With the city developing world-class tourism infrastructure and gastronomy offerings, it is poised to attract high-value travelers, business delegations, and foodies in search of an exciting, immersive destination for business and leisure travel.
The post Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival of this Year Celebrates Gastronomy Tourism, Blending the Culinary Experiences with Luxury Travel, MICE, and Sustainability appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
The annual large-scale familiarization trip for the MICE industry by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is in its fourth iteration and has extended invitations to over 80 representatives from 9 regions for a MICE-trade tour in a Hong Kong business hosting the regional travel trade. The program scheduled till October 27, 2023, comprises a number of engaging activities in line with Hong Kong’s “Mega Events + Tourism” framework, with emphasis on the signature tourism/cultural highlight of the city, Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.
With the MICE sector in Hong Kong’s tourism economy, representatives from China, India, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines have shown how in-demand this business segment is. This is a clear demonstration of Hong Kong’s position as a MICE city with a variety of business tourism services inclusive of cultural, culinary, and leisure activities.
A Taste of Hong Kong: Wine & Dine Festival
The HKTB familiarization trip aligns with the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, a key event in the city’s tourism calendar. The festival serves as a backdrop to promote Hong Kong’s diverse culinary scene and the city’s appeal as a destination for both leisure and business travelers. This year’s event featured a range of on-site experiences, including guided tours of local venues, cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, and tastings of fine wines and gourmet dishes.
During the trip, MICE trade partners were given the opportunity to explore new and existing tourism resources, including world-class event venues, dining hotspots, and unique cultural experiences. These activities are designed to enhance Hong Kong’s profile as a top MICE destination, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of the city’s diverse attractions and capacity to host high-profile corporate and incentive events.
One of the highlights of the familiarization trip was the “Toast to Success: Hong Kong Top Travel Agents Celebration & Gala Dinner” held on Saturday. This prestigious event brought together overseas MICE professionals to enjoy a specially crafted Cantonese gourmet menu paired with fine wines. The evening highlighted the growing appeal of Hong Kong’s culinary tourism, which is increasingly important to MICE visitors, particularly the younger generation.
Expanding the MICE Offering
The familiarization trip underscored Hong Kong’s commitment to expanding its MICE tourism offerings. Representatives from Thailand, for example, expressed their appreciation for Hong Kong’s extensive cruise itineraries, noting that these options complement the city’s MICE offerings and provide greater flexibility for event organizers looking to offer a diverse range of experiences. Hong Kong’s ability to provide such variety positions it as a leading MICE destination in Asia.
Additionally, the HKTB’s focus on enhancing visitor experiences is reflected in the recent upgrade to the “Hong Kong Incentive Playbook,” a comprehensive guide to the city’s tourism offerings for the MICE sector. The updated playbook now includes more than 200 activities, with new themes such as “Cruise” and “Empowerment,” offering unique and immersive experiences like fencing, billiards, movie set exhibitions, and temple tours. These new additions aim to further distinguish Hong Kong as a versatile destination for MICE travel, ensuring that visitors have access to a wide range of activities, whether for leisure or team-building purposes.
Strengthening Hong Kong’s Position as a MICE Hub
The familiarization trip not only showcases the city’s infrastructure but also highlights the collaborative efforts of both the public and private sectors to position Hong Kong as a prime MICE destination. The continued success of this initiative is a testament to the effective strategies put in place by the HKTB and its partners. The trip emphasizes Hong Kong’s ability to cater to the evolving needs of the MICE sector while remaining focused on sustainability and responsible tourism practices.
In addition to these developments, the HKTB has been active in promoting Hong Kong’s image as a leading global tourism destination, leveraging events like the Wine & Dine Festival to attract both tourists and business travelers. The ongoing promotion of Hong Kong’s diverse tourism offerings through such programs ensures that the city remains an attractive choice for international visitors.
Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism
A key focus of the HKTB’s strategies is to promote sustainable tourism in Hong Kong, with particular attention given to ensuring that tourism benefits are shared across all regions of the city. The integration of cultural, recreational, and business-related activities allows for a balanced tourism model, where both local communities and visitors benefit from the growth of the sector. Additionally, the introduction of self-navigating tours helps distribute tourism traffic away from crowded areas, encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known parts of the city and supporting a more sustainable tourism model.
By continuing to promote the city’s diverse tourism assets and expanding its MICE offerings, Hong Kong is well-positioned to maintain its status as a world-class destination for meetings, conferences, and incentives, while also nurturing sustainable growth and inclusivity.
Looking Ahead: The Future of MICE Tourism in Hong Kong
As the global tourism landscape continues to evolve, Hong Kong’s ability to adapt and innovate within the MICE sector will be crucial to maintaining its competitive edge. The recent familiarization trip, coupled with the upgraded offerings in the Hong Kong Incentive Playbook, underscores the city’s ongoing commitment to attracting high-value corporate visitors and expanding its global tourism footprint.
The post Hong Kong Now Welcomes Global Tourism Leaders with Immersive Familiarization Trip for MICE Sector appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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