The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully after a seven-day run, attracting 990,000 visits. Held concurrently with the 9th Sports and Leisure Expo and 6th World of Snacks, the fairs brought together over 770 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions. The Book Fair, themed "Reading the World: Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys," featured more than 600 events, including cultural seminars and the inaugural ASEAN Literary Festival, underscoring Hong Kong's position as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange.
Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, noted that despite heavy rain early in the fair, visitor enthusiasm remained high, especially over the weekend. "Many cultural seminars drew an enthusiastic response, Liu Zhenyun's seminar was a full house. The inaugural ASEAN Literary Festival was also well received, enabling ASEAN authors to engage directly with readers from different places, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange," she said. The fair also featured a celebratory activity for HKTDC's 60th anniversary, where Chairman Prof Frederick Ma joined artist Jane Lee and over 100 students in a community art creation workshop.
A survey of over 860 visitors revealed that average spending at the Book Fair was HK$923. The primary purpose for attending was purchasing newly released books (45%), followed by enjoying discounted prices (43%) and experiencing the cultural atmosphere (23%). Notably, 98.2% of respondents said their visit achieved their intended objectives. Fiction remained the most popular genre (46%), followed by literature (22%), comics (21%), children's and young adult titles (18%), and supplementary exercises (16%).
Visitors demonstrated significant spending. Ms Lam, a second-time attendee, spent around HK$20,000, mainly on children's books and educational toys. Mr Chan, a regular visitor, spent over HK$30,000 on a children's learning set and other books after researching online discounts. Exhibitors also reported success. Cosmos Books Director Alva Au said about 40 new titles debuted exclusively at the fair, with works by renowned authors and Hong Kong-themed publications proving most popular. Bangzo Books HK owner Abdul reported selling almost 90% of inventory by the fifth day, with some titles selling out over the weekend. First-time exhibitor Emirates Publishers Association from the UAE secured rights agreements for 25 titles and plans to return next year.
The Book Fair's Eight Seminar Series were warmly received. The ASEAN Literary Festival session by Malaysian author Daryl Yeap drew many students and readers. Registration for Liu Zhenyun's seminar reached full capacity twice, attracting over 1,400 onsite attendees. The "Cultural and Creative Spaces" also returned, with first-time exhibitor Create Hangzhou showcasing miniature movable-type printing, and Tsi Ku Chai reporting steady growth in sales of cultural products.
Industry leaders explored AI-era opportunities at the International Publishing Forum and IP Roundtable, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency. The forum, themed "Reading for All in the Age of AI," drew over 250 professionals. The IP Roundtable discussed copyright transitions in the AI age, with participants from seven countries sharing insights. These discussions reinforced Hong Kong's role as a regional intellectual property trading centre.
The concurrent Sports and Leisure Expo featured a "Multi-sport Playground" with over 3,600 visitors taking on challenges like an 8-metre abseil. The World of Snacks showcased international delicacies. The HKTDC's "Cultural July • Joyful Summer Reading" continues through July with cultural tours and public education programmes across Hong Kong. The HKTDC will organize further events in the second half of the year, including the Food Expo and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as an international business hub.
