Convention Sector Not Hit Seriously: Edward Yau

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Edward Yau, said Hong Kong's convention and exhibition sector had not been seriously affected by recent social unrest.

He told a Legco panel that most trade shows and international conferences that were held indoors went ahead as planned despite the protests.

He said although the number of exhibitors and visitors to these shows dropped by up to 20 per cent in recent months, those who made it to Hong Kong were serious about doing businesses and their spending was usually higher.

"We were told by some other people in the industry that those who showed up were more serious because they had to overcome [many] difficulties in order to get to Hong Kong," he said.

But he pointed out that the Trade Development Council had to do a lot more work, such as picking up these visitors from the airport, to ensure they were not affected by the protests.