Three of the World’s Top Tech Conferences Converge in Hong Kong
100+ Large-Scale International MICE Events Staged in First Half of 2026
Attracting High-End Business Travellers and Families to Stay Longer

HONG KONG, July 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LEAP East, the Middle East’s flagship technology exhibition, made its Asian debut in Hong Kong over three days (8–10 July), attracting more than 25,000 participants, with 55% were non-local and 45% local. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has partnered with the organiser to secure Hong Kong as the exclusive Asian host city of LEAP East from 2027 to 2029.

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said, “LEAP East has chosen Hong Kong for its first-ever edition in Asia this year, and we are delighted to establish a strategic partnership with the organiser to secure Hong Kong as the exclusive Asian host city of LEAP East for the coming three years. This significant partnership not only demonstrates the global industry’s confidence in Hong Kong, but also affirms Hong Kong’s status as the World’s Meeting Place and a hub for innovation and technology, as well as its role as a ‘super-connector’ and ‘super value-adder’. By bringing together tech and innovation enterprises, investors, research institutions and innovative talent from around the world, Hong Kong is fostering cross-regional and cross-industry collaboration.”

LEAP East marks the first global expansion of Saudi Arabia’s flagship technology conference, LEAP, into Asia, with Hong Kong selected as the inaugural host city for this regional flagship event. Mr Mike Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, the organiser, said, “Hong Kong’s unique position as a melting pot of Chinese and international cultures, together with its status as a world-class MICE and tourism destination, makes it a vital bridge connecting the Chinese Mainland, the Asia-Pacific region and global markets. I believe that Hong Kong, as the host of LEAP’s first flagship edition outside the Middle East, is the perfect platform to connect Middle Eastern technology enterprises with Asian businesses, while also creating opportunities for Asian companies to engage with partners across the Gulf. I look forward to partnering with HKTB over the next three years to build LEAP East into a premier international platform that brings together global innovation and fosters cross-regional.”

Hong Kong Hosts Three World-Class Innovation and Technology Events
Strengthening Its Position as an International I&T Hub

Dr Lam noted, “Consensus Hong Kong, the global cryptocurrency and Web3 mega event, and the Hong Kong Web3 Festival, one of Asia’s most influential Web3 events, were successfully staged in February and April respectively. Together with LEAP East’s debut in Hong Kong, the city has become the convergence point for three of the world’s top innovation and technology events, further consolidating its leading position as an international I&T hub and Asia’s preferred MICE destination.”

Strong Line-Up of Major International MICE Events is Set to Follow

Dr Lam added, “Through HKTB’s efforts in securing, facilitating and supporting events, over 100 major international MICE events were held in Hong Kong in the first half of this year. Looking ahead, even more world-renowned international MICE events across diverse sectors — including medical science, food science and technology, lifestyle, innovation and technology, aviation and transport, sports and other diversified fields — will be hosted in Hong Kong. These events not only showcase our city’s unique strength as an international MICE hub, but also attract more high value-added overnight visitors and their families to Hong Kong, boosting tourism spending, benefiting the tourism industry and related sectors, and injecting greater momentum into Hong Kong’s economy.”

Following the successful staging of the 108^th Lions International Convention in Hong Kong last week, which attracted more than 17,000 participants, more large-scale international MICE events will debut or return to the city. These include the World Cancer Congress, the World Congress of Food Science and Technology, the World Congress of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) 2026, the high-end international exhibition The Festival of Connoisseurs (TFOC), and the Lions Clubs International OSEAL Forum. These events will bring together industry leaders from around the world to exchange insights and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

The HKTB will continue to work closely with the MICE industry and partners to actively attract more large-scale international MICE events with global influence to Hong Kong. This will further enrich Hong Kong’s year-round events calendar, attract more high value-added MICE visitors and encourage them to extend their stay, enhancing their overall business travel experience. It will also stimulate spending on hotels, dining and retail, thereby amplifying the tourism sector’s contribution to the wider economy.

Members of the media can download the photos from this link:
https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?categoryId=2489&categoryTypeId=2

Members of the media can download the press release from the following link:
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/hktb/newsroom/press-releases.html

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d02e23a0-4d1c-4993-b8ae-a03fe62315dc

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/586c53ba-1ad6-4a14-857b-98a484b6467d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4864f0a6-e843-42b6-bb35-ab4ec3b498e0

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9760359)

Top International Teams Converge on Victoria Harbour to Race as Shoreline Programmes
Enhance the Festive Atmosphere

HONG KONG, June 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The highlight of the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival — The Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), co-organised by the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA) and proudly title-sponsored by Sun Life — was staged on Victoria Harbour on 27-28 June. Top dragon boat athletes from around the world gathered to paddle to the beat of drums, sending sprays of water flying as they raced intensity and excitement. The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade was packed with locals and visitors cheering on their dragon boat teams. Beyond the exciting races, the Festival also features a vibrant array of harbourside entertainment, including a Dragon Boat Food Lane, a Beer Garden, Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshops, and a series of photo spots, immersing spectators in a rich festive atmosphere.

Elite Athletes from Around the World Paddle for Glory on Victoria Harbour

This year’s Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races feature 21 races, drawing more than 220 teams and over 4,500 paddlers from 16 countries and regions. The first day of competition brought together top teams from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, and around the world for a series of thrilling races, attracting a huge crowd of cheering spectators.

Diverse Festive Activities Keep the Harbourfront Alive Day and Night

Prior to the races, the Dragon Boat Food Lane, Beer Garden, Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshops, and a series of photo spots opened along the waterfront, filling the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade with a strong festive atmosphere that attracted both locals and visitors. As the race weekend got underway, crowds gathered at the Race Broadcast Viewing Zones to experience the thrill of the dragon boat finals.

50^th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup Features Wooden Dragon Boats
Top Teams Battle for “Ultimate Dragon Boat Champion” Title in Event Climax

This year, the “50^th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup” was introduced, featuring six teams of local fishermen from areas including Aberdeen and Chai Wan. Racing in traditional wooden dragon boats, they reflected the culture and spirit of Hong Kong’s fishing communities. In addition, the new “Huatai International IDBR 50^th Anniversary Championship” brought together top teams from nine major race categories to compete for the title of “Ultimate Dragon Boat Champion,” providing a thrilling climax to the weekend’s races.

Members of the media can download the press release and the photos from the following links:    
Press Release: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/hktb/newsroom/press-releases.html  
Photos: https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?categoryId=2443&categoryTypeId=2&cachedCriteria=1 

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25f41049-7f4d-4f85-8aef-a0fe8da2371a 

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/72b3a6fe-8ddf-4fd1-af0e-426114bb38e5

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b03de2d4-885e-4337-82c7-cc62c7f16d34

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9754869)

HONG KONG, June 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This summer, Hong Kong is turning up the energy with a citywide celebration packed with festivals, family attractions, sporting spectacles and limited-time offers. The “Hong Kong Summer Fun” campaign brings together some of the city's biggest seasonal events alongside exclusive “Summer Deals”, creating even more reasons to plan a summer escape to the Events Capital of Asia. From dragon boat racing and family fun to immersive exhibitions and world-class football, there’s something for everyone.

To make a summer getaway even more rewarding, the “Summer Deals” programme is now rolling out in phases through 31 August, unlocking rewards and savings at every step of the visitor journey — across attraction offers, transport discounts, shopping rewards and dining perks. The initiative helps travellers make the most of their Hong Kong getaway with exclusive seasonal savings from planning to departure.

Unlock Hundreds of Thousands of Deals Across the City All Summer Long

Earn Double Rewards Even Before You Arrive in Hong Kong
In partnership with Trip.com Group, HKTB is launching more than HK$20 million worth of offers across 19 attractions and three transport operators. From now on until 31 August, eligible visitors who book a participating Hong Kong hotel stay through Trip.com or Ctrip for the period from 1 July–14 September, with a single transaction of HK$1,500 or above, can unlock a “Summer Getaway Pack” featuring one attraction and one transport discount of up to 50 percent off. Rewards drop in two summer waves on 15 June and 14 July on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing travellers to experience more of Hong Kong for less.

Some highlighted participating experiences in the first wave include:

• Up to 50% off on Roundtrip Standard Cable Car Ticket by Ngong Ping 360
• Up to 50% off on Essential Ticket by Big Bus Tours
• 30% off on Sha Tin Racecourse & Happy Valley Racecourse F&B Experience + Guided Tour by The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Collect Multiple Rewards Throughout Your Stay in Town
From 1 July–31 August, visitors can access “Summer Instant Rewards” through a collaboration with AlipayHK, Alipay and Alipay+. By leveraging Alipay’s vast Chinese Mainland and Alipay+’s international partner e-wallet user base, visitors can scan designated QR codes at nearly 100 participating shopping malls across the city, including Central Market, Festival Walk, Hysan Place, ifc mall, Hong Kong International Airport, K11, Mira Place, New Town Plaza, Olympian City, Peak Galleria, SOGO, Stanley Plaza, Times Square, Windsor House, and more—to receive a random spending rewards of up to HK$500 or RMB500 to be used at any merchant displaying the AlipayHK, Alipay or Alipay+ payment acceptance mark.

In addition, more than 150 exciting merchant offers will be available across participating malls. Highlights include:

• AIRSIDE – Admission Ticket to the “The Cha Chaan Teng Codex — Tales of Invisible Designs” exhibition;
• Central Market – Redeem a premium butterfly pastry gift box for HK$58 upon spending HK$200 or above at Imperial Patisserie;
• Festival Walk – Enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free ice rink offer at Glacier and complimentary 2D movie tickets at Festival Grand Cinema;
• MegaBox – Enjoy an extra 30% off at the i.t Outlet;
• Mira Place – Enjoy HK$100 off upon spending HK$400 at Mira Dining;
• Nina Mall – Enjoy bonus gaming tokens, with HK$200 purchase receiving an additional HK$140 at Jumping Gym;
• The Peak – Enjoy 15% off all regular-priced menu items at Bubba Gump;
• T Town / Kai Tin Shopping Centre / Temple Mall / Lok Fu Plaza – Enjoy HK$100 off upon spending HK$500 at SKECHERS

All of which are open to both local residents and visitors. Stay tuned for more details.

What’s more, visitors can also enjoy a citywide collection of shopping and dining offers delivered in partnership with the Quality Tourism Services Association (QTSA) and the Hong Kong Retail Management Association (HKRMA), with buy-one-get-one free offers and some hot picks from HK$1 or HK$10 at various merchants. Rewards are on a first-come, first-served basis. Some of the rewards are limited to registered users on Discover Hong Kong one-stop travel information platform only. Stay tuned for more details.

Highlighted rewards include:

• Buy 1 Get 1 Free Black Pearl Tasting Menu at Chinesology (original price HK$3,054)
• Buy 1 Get 1 Chef’s signature Tasting Set at restaurants under Lubuds group, including Sushi Zushi & Toriten (original price HK$588 for one)
• HK$1 for a selected flavor of Abalone Bites (12 pcs) at On Kee (original price HK$99)
• HK$1 for a Winter Melon Pastry (Wife Cake) at Kee Wah Bakery (original price HK$12)
• HK$10 for BBQ Pork with Egg and Rice at Men Wah Bing Teng (original price HK$72)
• HK$10 for Big Mac® at McDonald’s (original price from HK$25.5)

Dive into a Packed Programme of Events Throughout the City
Alongside the unmissable “Summer Deals”, visitors can look forward to a packed programme of exciting events, dragon boat thrills and summer festivities, experiencing the vibrant charisma of the Events Capital of Asia.

Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival: Experience a Uniquely Hong Kong Celebration of Dragon Boat Heritage, Festive Treats and Fun
19 June–1 July 2026 | Tsim Sha Tsui promenade

Kicking off the season is the “Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival”, running from 19 June–1 July. At its heart is the 50th-anniversary edition of the “Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races”, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), co-organised by the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA) and proudly title-sponsored by Sun Life. It will transform the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront into one of the city's most thrilling annual spectacles on 27–28 June. More than 220 teams from 16 countries and regions will compete across 21 races in Victoria Harbour.

For the first time, the celebration expands into a 13-day festival extending far beyond the races. Along the Avenue of Stars, visitors can explore a Dragon Boat Food Lane, Beer Garden, and discover themed photo spots, including Sun Life HK Dragon Boat Co-Creation Zone, a 22-metre traditional wooden dragon boat, a dragon boat-themed installation in collaboration with the new film Minions & Monsters, etc. A programme of intangible cultural heritage workshops will also offer hands-on experiences such as fishing net plaiting, blown sugar making and traditional lye rice dumpling making. Tourists can partake in a uniquely Hong Kong celebration that blends sport, culture and a lively waterfront atmosphere.

Pixar Summer Fest: Step Into the Bigger World of Pixar from Day to Night
12 June–31 August 2026 | Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort invites guests into its first-ever “Pixar Summer Fest”, transforming the resort into a colourful world filled with beloved Pixar characters and immersive experiences. The centrepiece is the all-new “Pixar Pals Spectacular”, an eight-minute nighttime experience combining glowing drones, shimmering fountains, projections across the Castle of Magical Dreams and Main Street, U.S.A., and giant inflatables. It’s a vibrant celebration of Pixar’s most-loved stories of friendship. The new show debuts before the resort's signature “Momentous” nighttime spectacular.

Guests can also cool off at the returning “Pixar Water Play Street Party!”, dance and cheer at the park's largest-ever “Friendtastic!” parade, meet characters from Toy Story, Inside Out, Turning Red, Coco and more, enjoy Pixar-themed food and merchandise, and extend the experience with themed hotel stays and activities across the resort.

Pandastic Summer Birthday Celebration – Let the Fun Begin!: Join the Festivities with Hong Kong's Favourite Giant Pandas
26 June–31 August 2026 | Ocean Park Hong Kong

This summer, Ocean Park’s beloved giant panda twins, Elder Sister Jia Jia and Little Brother De De, are turning two! Together with their August-born parents Ying Ying and Le Le, as well as the popular June stars, An An and Ke Ke, they are ready to throw a pandastic birthday party. Snap with the giant installation at the main entrance and visit our Pandastic happy moment zone in the park, all six adorable giant pandas will transform into lively Panda Friends characters, showing off their vibrant, playful sides! Come with family and friends to shower the giant pandas at Ocean Park with tons of birthday love and pan-tastic blessings!

Design Ah!: Discover the Wonder of Everyday Design at M+
27 June 2026–10 Jan 2027 | M+

Curious minds of all ages can experience design in an entirely new way at “Design Ah! Experience the Wonder of Everyday Design”, opening at M+ from 27 June. This family-friendly exhibition explores the hidden design behind everyday actions — from walking to eating and sitting — revealing how thoughtful design quietly shapes the world around us. Through hands-on games, interactive installations and immersive audiovisual environments, visitors are invited to observe familiar objects and behaviours from new perspectives, sparking curiosity, creativity and plenty of unexpected “Ah!” moments.

Bubble Planet Hong Kong: Explore an Extraordinary Multi-Sensory World of Bubbles
From 29 June 2026 | Kai Tak Cruise Terminal

Launching from 29 June, Bubble Planet will make its Hong Kong debut at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. The globally acclaimed immersive experience transforms the simple concept of bubbles into a large-scale interactive adventure featuring digital art, optical illusions, virtual reality experiences and multi-sensory installations. Visitors can move through a series of playful environments designed to inspire wonder and imagination, making it one of the city's newest family-friendly attractions this summer.

Hong Kong Football Festival 2026: See Football Giants Take the Field
31 July–5 August 2026 | Kai Tak Stadium

Sports fans have another major reason to visit Hong Kong this summer with the return of the Hong Kong Football Festival from 31 July–5 August. The series will bring four of Europe's most decorated clubs to Kai Tak Stadium: Manchester City, FC Internazionale Milano, Chelsea FC and Juventus. Two blockbuster fixtures will take place at the state-of-the-art 50,000-seat venue, while Manchester City and Chelsea will also hold Open Training sessions for fans. Building on the success of last year's festival, the event features a rare gathering of Champions League-winning clubs, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as one of Asia's premier destinations for international sport and live entertainment.

Start planning your Hong Kong escape and discover a vibrant lineup of seasonal experiences while making the most of every moment in the city. For the latest event listings for “Hong Kong Summer Fun” and “Summer Deals”, visit:
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/summer-fun.html.

Media can download photos at the following link:
https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?categoryId=2463&categoryTypeId=2　

For media enquiries, please contact:

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6f37d704-96de-4602-93e7-beeb46158745

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4a2d2445-4799-4370-af7e-b5291a847ea0

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/abcd5535-0aae-47cd-8784-c357c993cd11

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9747603)

HONG KONG, May 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — One of Hong Kong’s most iconic summer traditions is set to make waves once again as the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, organised by Hong Kong Tourism Board, return to Victoria Harbour this June, celebrating a landmark 50^th anniversary with a spectacular edition.

Running from 19 June to 1 July, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival will bring a festive programme to the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, spanning 13 days through the Dragon Boat Festival and featuring traditional culture, interactive workshops and performances. Set against Hong Kong’s world-famous skyline, the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will bring together teams from around the globe on 27-28 June, transforming the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront into a vibrant hub of culture, sport and entertainment.

From Local Ritual to World Stage: Hong Kong's Dragon Boat Legacy

The grand scale of the event belies its humble beginnings. What started five decades ago as a competitive extension of a local cultural ritual has evolved into a dynamic, citywide celebration that blends heritage with sports. Dragon boat racing in Hong Kong traces its roots to traditional rituals performed by fishing communities, where vessels were once used to dispel bad luck and pray for peace and safety. In 1976, the city hosted its first international race in Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter, welcoming just 10 teams and marking the birth of modern international dragon boat racing.

Fast forward to today, and the event has grown into a truly global phenomenon and a competitive sport in Asian Games. This year’s races will welcome over 220 elite teams from 16 countries and regions over the two-day race schedule on 27-28 June, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as the Events Capital of Asia.

Beyond the Finish Line: A Harbourfront Party for All

What sets the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races apart is the way the celebration brings together culture, sports and entertainment on water and land. In addition to the exhilarating racing action, the event extends into the 13-day Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival on Fridays to Wednesdays from 19 June to 1 July, with immersive experiences designed to appeal to visitors of all ages and interests.

From daytime discoveries to after-dark energy, the Avenue of Stars and Salisbury Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui are set to come alive with an all-day, diverse activity line-up. The programme spans intangible cultural heritage workshops alongside contemporary highlights including VR dragon boat paddling game, live music and stage performances. The hands-on sessions in particular spotlight time-honoured crafts passed down for centuries while adding a modern harbourfront buzz to the carnival experience.

A dedicated food-and-beverage offering will showcase festive favourites alongside Hong Kong street-food classics at the Dragon Boat Food Lane, while the harbourfront Beer Garden will add to the celebratory atmosphere. Tourists can enjoy complimentary beer and iced rice dumplings while soaking up the festive summer breeze. Also, the display of a 22-meter dragon boat and themed photo spots will further transform the precinct into a colourful, festival-like playground.

Together, these elements reimagine the dragon boat tradition for a new generation, turning a sporting event into a multi-sensory cultural experience. The combination of thrilling racing and immersive programming reflects Hong Kong’s signature “east-meets-west” identity, where centuries-old traditions sit comfortably alongside modern city energy. 

Experience the Dragon Boat Festival Across Hong Kong

Beyond Victoria Harbour, the spirit of the Dragon Boat Festival can be felt across the city. In Tai O, the centuries-old Dragon Boat Water Parade continues a unique ritual tradition, where sacred sampans carrying deity statues are towed through the village waterways—a practice recognised as part of China’s national intangible cultural heritage in 2011.

Meanwhile, local dragon boat races will take place in neighbourhoods across Hong Kong, from the scenic seaside of Stanley and the bustling fishing village of Aberdeen to the verdant landscapes of Sai Kung and the serene Shing Mun River in Sha Tin. Each offers its own distinct character and community atmosphere, welcoming visitors from near and far to discover Hong Kong’s diverse charm.

For more information about the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, please visit the event website: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/dragon-boat-festival.html

Media can download photos at the following link:
https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?categoryId=2415&categoryTypeId=2&cachedCriteria=1

For media enquiries, please contact:

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f80fbd6f-450b-4c92-a09e-b3386b925629

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b19234da-b436-4624-9f15-ed4ce1dd8d41

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e5e52911-43db-4729-a652-d193dcedc4c7

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9713159)