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Hong Kong Book Fair vendor predicts visitor numbers will rebound to 1 million, in line with pre-coronavirus figures
- Exhibitors at annual exhibition worked flat out on Tuesday to make up for lost time caused by Typhoon Talim on Monday
- The Trade Development Council’s Sophia Chong appeals to public to use new consumption vouchers on books, or at the parallel sports and snack events
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Vendors at the Hong Kong Book Fair said they were optimistic about visitor numbers bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels when the event opens on Wednesday, but they admitted wet weather and a potential typhoon might dampen demand.
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Exhibitors at the annual show at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre were at full steam ahead on Tuesday afternoon to set up their booths and books for the Wednesday opening after preparation was delayed by Typhoon Talim, which brushed past the city the day before.
The typhoon No 8 signal remained in force until 4pm on Monday.
Lai Yiu-keung, the deputy editor-in-chief of the Chung Hwa Book Company, a major exhibitor, said his team was in a race against time to build their booth, but insisted it was worth the effort.
“I believe we will see more people come back to the fair, maybe a 10 per cent increase,” he predicted.
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“Last year, because of the pandemic, none of the Taiwanese exhibitors could attend. This year, I look forward to seeing more exhibitors and visitors from outside Hong Kong.”
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