HKTB’s Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival Draws About 163,000 Participants and Sees Increase in Both Participation and Revenues

HKTB’s Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival Draws About 163,000 Participants and Sees Increase in Both Participation and Revenues

Unprecedented Consumer Response Driven by Elevated Wine and Dine Offerings

The annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and co-organised by the Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB), drew to a successful close after four days at the Central Harbourfront Event Space, with its opening hours extended to midnight for the first time. The four-day event attracted about 163,000 attendees, with an increase of more than 30% for average daily visit from last year. The average daily tasting token number increased by close to 40% compared to last year. Both visitors and locals praised the festival, finding it a not-to-be-missed experience in town. Merchants were also happy with the sales, some noting that business increases by 40-50% from last year, and attributing the increase in participation and spending ambience to the extended event hours. 

Miss Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, “This year’s Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival has achieved impressive growth in both attendance and spending, delivering outstanding results. I extend my sincere gratitude to the entire HKTB team for their unwavering dedication in successfully organizing the event and achieving remarkable outcomes, which fully demonstrates its popularity among both locals and visitors. The Wine & Dine Festival further solidifies Hong Kong’s status as a ‘City of Gastronomy’, while also boosting the overall consumption atmosphere. Moreover, it allows residents and visitors to rediscover the vibrant charm of Hong Kong’s nightlife, fully leveraging the economic benefits of mega events.”

Dr Peter Lam, HKTB Chairman, said, “We are delighted to see so many locals and visitors enthusiastically participating in the four-day Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, driving robust spending. This outstanding success is attributable to support from the Hong Kong SAR Government, particularly for extending the event hours until midnight, which significantly boosted overall participation and sales. This year, our partner Bordeaux Wine Council’s introduction of the 1855 Grands Crus Classes brought to the event more high-end and diverse selection of fine wines. Moreover, the return of the Grand Wine Pavilion and Tasting Room, together with the Towngas Gourmet Avenue, which featured more prestigious restaurant line-up, received great popularity. The support of sponsors, top chefs and merchants also contributed to the excitement from local and visiting participants. Last but not least, we are deeply grateful for the SAR Government and merchants’ participation and promotion, as well as the support from locals and visitors. The event’s success underscores Hong Kong’s unique appeal as a destination that brings together fine wines and cuisines from around the world. HKTB will continue to build on this momentum to present more exciting events in the future.”

Visitors Praise Elevated Experience

Vendors Note that Sales Exceed Expectations

The flagship event once again demonstrated its international appeal, drawing visitors from the Chinese Mainland, the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and visitors from a total of more than 30 countries and regions. The festival brought together more than 300 booths, with 70% dedicated to wines and 30% showcasing gourmet cuisine. Participants found the event attractive, and lauded that the event as a remarkable opportunity to experience most-revered wine in the world, alongside dishes from the city’s most acclaimed restaurants, all within a single venue, making it an unforgettable experience.

The return of the BEA Grand Wine Pavilion was a hit with vendors. Exhibitors noted that the sales were good as it recorded a double-digit growth from the previous edition. The event ambience was further enhanced by the extended event hours and enriched elements. Consumers also came from diverse segments including visitors from the Chinese Mainland and overseas markets. Various exhibitors said they look forward to joining the event again next year. In the star-rated Towngas Gourmet Avenue, merchants credited the extended hours to midnight for the surge in both foot traffic and revenues.

Exclusive, Premium Experience at the BEA Grand Wine Pavilion

Wine lovers flocked to the BEA Grand Wine Pavilion for Masterclass Tasting Journeys, where they explored the nuances of winemaking and tasting under expert guidance. The pavilion’s “Ring the Bell” promotion was also a major draw, offering guests a chance to enjoy exquisite, limited-edition vintages at discounted prices.

Exclusive Feast by Acclaimed Chefs in the Tasting Room

Creative Crossovers with Iconic IPs

The celebrated Tasting Room returned to host a one-night-only dinner titled “Taste the Extraordinary: Beyond Cantonese Flavour”. This unforgettable feast, created by five renowned chefs, was paired with meticulously selected wines. The festival also partnered with Water Parade for the unique “Water Parade X Wine & Dine: Victoria Harbour Playful Delights” collaboration, where guests enjoyed specialty desserts inspired by popular IPs.

New Multi-Sensory Journey of Flavour Pairings

This year’s theme, “REMIX. BEST OF ALL WORLDS”, came to life through an interactive experience that encouraged guests to explore creative food and wine combinations. A simple colourcoded system guided visitors in matching five distinct taste profiles with five grape varieties. 

Buzzing Festival Atmosphere at the Four-Day Extravaganza

The event’s lively atmosphere was enhanced by a series of engaging highlights. Wine enthusiasts gathered at the Sunset Tasting Party to toast the 170th anniversary of the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. The excitement continued with a grand lucky draw, where winners each received a trip for two to Bordeaux, including round-trip flights to Paris and a two-night stay at a winery.

With Halloween just around the corner, many attendees embraced the occasion by arriving in costume, adding to the festive ambience throughout the venue.