Hong Kong Strengthens Global MICE Leadership as LEAP East Secures Asia Hosting Rights Through 2029, Boosting Business Tourism, Innovation and International Connectivity

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July 12, 2026 2:36 PM

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Hong Kong has strengthened its position as a leading global business tourism destination after securing the hosting rights for LEAP East from 2027 to 2029, extending the city’s role as the exclusive Asian host location for the international technology event. The multi-year agreement follows the successful launch of the inaugural LEAP East edition held in Hong Kong from July 8 to 10, 2026, which attracted more than 25,000 participants from around the world and highlighted the city’s growing importance as a bridge between Asia, the Middle East and global innovation markets.

The development represents a major milestone for Hong Kong’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, which has been rebuilding international confidence following the global disruption caused by the pandemic. By securing one of the world’s major technology gatherings for multiple years, Hong Kong is strengthening its position as a destination for large-scale business events, international investment discussions and technology-driven tourism.

LEAP East Creates New Technology and Business Tourism Bridge Between Asia and the Gulf

LEAP East is the international expansion of Saudi Arabia’s flagship technology conference, LEAP, which has become one of the world’s major platforms for artificial intelligence, digital transformation, venture capital and emerging technologies.

The Hong Kong edition marks the first overseas expansion of the event beyond the Middle East, creating a new connection between the Gulf’s growing technology ecosystem and Asia’s innovation markets. The event provides a platform for global companies, investors, startups and technology leaders to explore opportunities across different regions.

For Hong Kong’s tourism economy, the event delivers benefits beyond conference participation. International technology gatherings attract business travellers with high spending capacity, longer stays and demand for accommodation, transportation, dining, entertainment and local experiences.

The successful debut of LEAP East demonstrated Hong Kong’s ability to host large international events with strong global participation. International visitors represented 55 per cent of attendees, while local professionals accounted for 45 per cent of total participation, showing the city’s ability to attract both overseas delegates and domestic business communities.

Multi-Year Partnership Strengthens Hong Kong’s Position as Asia’s Premier MICE Destination

The long-term agreement between the Hong Kong Tourism Board and Tahaluf, the organiser behind LEAP, provides stability for Hong Kong’s international events calendar until at least 2029.

The partnership supports the city’s wider strategy of attracting world-class conferences and exhibitions that increase international visitor arrivals and strengthen business travel demand. Hosting major global events also enhances destination visibility by positioning Hong Kong as a location where innovation, finance, technology and international cooperation meet.

The city has already demonstrated strong recovery momentum in the MICE sector, hosting more than 100 major international business events during the first half of 2026. The continued arrival of large-scale conferences reflects renewed confidence among global organisers and reinforces Hong Kong’s role as a competitive international events hub.

Hong Kong Builds Stronger Middle East and Asia Connectivity Through Business Events

The continuation of LEAP East in Hong Kong is expected to strengthen connections between Middle Eastern investors and Asian technology markets. The city’s location provides direct access to Mainland China and wider Asia-Pacific economies, making it a strategic meeting point for international businesses.

For Gulf-based technology companies and investors, Hong Kong offers access to one of the world’s largest innovation ecosystems. At the same time, Asian startups and enterprises gain opportunities to connect with investors, funding networks and technology partners from the Middle East.

This growing business corridor also supports tourism demand by encouraging more international professionals to visit Hong Kong for conferences, networking opportunities and investment activities.

Business events of this scale often create additional tourism opportunities, as delegates combine professional travel with leisure experiences, extending their stays and contributing to the wider visitor economy.

Expanding International Events Calendar Supports Hong Kong Tourism Recovery

LEAP East is part of a wider strategy to diversify Hong Kong’s tourism appeal beyond traditional leisure travel. The city is developing a strong calendar of international events across technology, healthcare, science, culture and professional industries.

Upcoming major gatherings include technology and business-focused events, science and healthcare conferences, and global networking forums. These include the Festival of Connoisseurs, the World Cancer Congress, the World Congress of Food Science and Technology, the International Federation of Landscape Architects World Congress and the Lions Clubs International OSEAL Forum.

The growing number of international conferences supports hotels, restaurants, transportation providers and tourism businesses by generating consistent demand throughout the year.

Hong Kong’s focus on high-value business tourism is also helping the destination strengthen its reputation as a global city for innovation, investment and international collaboration.

LEAP East Marks New Era for Hong Kong’s Global Tourism Strategy

The long-term arrival of LEAP East represents a significant step in Hong Kong’s transformation into a leading global technology and business events destination. By combining advanced infrastructure, international connectivity and strategic partnerships, the city is creating stronger links between Asia and global markets.

The event’s continued presence until 2029 is expected to provide sustained opportunities for tourism growth, international visitor engagement and economic development. As global business travel continues to recover, Hong Kong’s expanding MICE portfolio places the destination in a stronger position to compete for major international events and attract high-value visitors from across the world.