ARTS / CULTURE & LEISURE
Hong Kong food expo attracts 370,000 people amid pandemic
The 31st Food Expo and four concurrent events hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) ended in Hong Kong on Monday, attracting more than 370,000 visitors despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hongkongers were in high spirits when visiting the five-day food expo held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC) in Wan Chai.
Global exhibitors gathered at the food expo, showcasing a huge variety of food items from all over the world.
The pandemic did not dampen the public's enthusiasm.
Stepping into the exhibition hall, large crowds of visitors geared up with trolleys and suitcases, all ready for a shopping spree.
Lots of visitors had their bags loaded with various kinds of goods and products.
A regular visitor of the Food Expo surnamed Lee chatted with staff at a food stall joyfully after her purchase with a few loaded shopping bags laying by her feet.
"Even though food tasting is not allowed this year, I think the atmosphere here is still great," she said.
Due to the pandemic, several preventive measures have been implemented, such as limiting the number of admission and prohibiting food tasting in the venue.
A total of 30,000 free admissions were given to visitors who received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine on a first-come-first-served basis on weekdays.
Hui, general manager of Network Foods (Hong Kong) Ltd, told the Xinhua News Agency that even though the number of customers was not as high as the last food expo in 2019, their sales were higher.
The expo was suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic.
"People are eager to go shopping," said the manager.
"They longed for an event like this, shopping in a happy environment like this helps them release their stress during the pandemic."
The average per capita spending at fairs in 2021 reached HK$1,273 ($164), according to an interview conducted by HKTDC.
Apart from the food expo, four other events - wine, tea, home appliance and beauty product expos - were held concurrently at the HKCEC.
Approximately 900 exhibitors from all over the world participated in the events.
Hongkongers were in high spirits when visiting the five-day food expo held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC) in Wan Chai.
Global exhibitors gathered at the food expo, showcasing a huge variety of food items from all over the world.
The pandemic did not dampen the public's enthusiasm.
Stepping into the exhibition hall, large crowds of visitors geared up with trolleys and suitcases, all ready for a shopping spree.
Lots of visitors had their bags loaded with various kinds of goods and products.
A regular visitor of the Food Expo surnamed Lee chatted with staff at a food stall joyfully after her purchase with a few loaded shopping bags laying by her feet.
"Even though food tasting is not allowed this year, I think the atmosphere here is still great," she said.
Due to the pandemic, several preventive measures have been implemented, such as limiting the number of admission and prohibiting food tasting in the venue.
A total of 30,000 free admissions were given to visitors who received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine on a first-come-first-served basis on weekdays.
Hui, general manager of Network Foods (Hong Kong) Ltd, told the Xinhua News Agency that even though the number of customers was not as high as the last food expo in 2019, their sales were higher.
The expo was suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic.
"People are eager to go shopping," said the manager.
"They longed for an event like this, shopping in a happy environment like this helps them release their stress during the pandemic."
The average per capita spending at fairs in 2021 reached HK$1,273 ($164), according to an interview conducted by HKTDC.
Apart from the food expo, four other events - wine, tea, home appliance and beauty product expos - were held concurrently at the HKCEC.
Approximately 900 exhibitors from all over the world participated in the events.
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