The Greater Bay Area: A New Hub for Global Business Events and Tourism

Published on December 29, 2025

The Greater Bay Area, or GBA, is making waves in the business events industry as the coming together of Hong Kong, Macao, and the province of Guangdong gets into high gear in an effort to position the region as a hub globally for business, tourism, and MICE business events. The construction and buildout of infrastructure, new venues, and more global partnerships are evidence of the ambitions of this exciting region.

Greater Bay Area’s Unified Vision for Growth

The GBA initiative is a joint effort involving the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), and the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen both business and leisure tourism by offering diverse and interconnected opportunities across Hong Kong, Macao, and nine cities in Guangdong province—Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, and Zhaoqing.

This integrated approach has yielded impressive results, with improvements to transport infrastructure and new tourism facilities. The recent opening of the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, built on the site of the former Kai Tak Airport, symbolizes the GBA’s commitment to increasing its appeal as a top destination for large-scale events. With bookings extending through 2027, the stadium is expected to host major international sports and cultural events, further elevating Hong Kong’s stature on the global stage.

Advancements in Infrastructure and Connectivity

One of the biggest drivers of tourism growth in the region is the continued investment in infrastructure. Hong Kong’s third runway at its International Airport is now operational, which significantly increases capacity and reduces congestion. This development complements other transportation upgrades in the region, including high-speed rail links and enhanced road networks within the GBA, making travel between Hong Kong, Macao, and the cities of Guangdong faster and more convenient.

These infrastructure enhancements are crucial for expanding tourism, particularly in the MICE sector, where seamless connectivity is essential for attracting international delegations. In addition to the increased flight capacity, Hong Kong is also focusing on the development of AsiaWorld-Expo and the upcoming Airport City, which is set to open within the next two years. The aim is to provide state-of-the-art facilities for both business events and leisure tourism.

Hong Kong’s Role as a Regional MICE Hub

The Hong Kong Tourism Board is particularly focused on building Hong Kong as a premier destination for MICE tourism. According to Becky Ip, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTB, Hong Kong has made significant strides in improving its MICE infrastructure. This year alone, the city hosted over 160 conventions and exhibitions, further solidifying its position as a leading global business events destination.

Hong Kong’s tourism strategy is not solely focused on attracting tourists to the city but on strengthening partnerships within the Greater Bay Area and beyond. By collaborating with nearby regions like Japan, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand, Hong Kong aims to become a central hub in Asia, particularly for international stopovers. These efforts are supported by Cathay Pacific’s stopover program, which encourages international visitors to experience Hong Kong before heading to other destinations.

Macao’s Continued Growth in the MICE Sector

Macao, a special administrative region of China, has also seen impressive growth in its MICE sector. With a target of hosting 2,000 to 2,500 MICE events in 2026, Macao continues to strengthen its position as a key destination for international business events. The MGTO is optimistic about reaching this target, following a remarkable 30% year-on-year increase in the number of events hosted in the first half of 2025.

To meet the growing demand for event space, Macao is looking to expand its venue offerings. Currently, Macao has approximately 240,000 square meters of exhibition space, but there is a need for more to accommodate the growing number of large-scale events. To resolve this, Macao plans to collaborate with neighboring cities in the Greater Bay Area, allowing for “one exhibition, two destinations,” which would further enhance its appeal and increase its capacity to host international business events.

Collaborative Approach: Hong Kong, Macao, and Guangdong Working Together

The key takeaway from recent discussions between tourism and business leaders in the region is the strength of the collective approach between Hong Kong, Macao, and Guangdong. This unified effort is crucial for positioning the Greater Bay Area as a global tourism and business hub. By working together, these cities can leverage their unique strengths and resources to attract a diverse range of international visitors and business travelers.

The close collaboration between these areas ensures that the entire region benefits from tourism growth, with Hong Kong playing a central role in attracting business events, Macao continuing to host a significant number of MICE events, and Guangdong’s cities offering additional venues and infrastructure. This combined effort is expected to make the Greater Bay Area one of the most attractive regions for international tourism and business in the years to come.

A Bright Future for Tourism and Business in the Greater Bay Area

The outlook for tourism in the Greater Bay Area is incredibly promising. As both Hong Kong and Macao continue to develop their MICE infrastructure and strengthen partnerships within the region, the potential for growth in both business and leisure tourism is enormous. With improved transport links, new venues, and continued investment in tourism services, the region is set to become an even more attractive destination for international visitors.