Managing Director of HML, Cliff Wallace, said the accolade would further strengthen HKCEC as the preferred venue for international and regional trade fairs, conferences and entertainment events

Over 150,000 frontline agents and 80,000 travel agencies worldwide gave the top honour, described as the "Oscars of the World Tourism and Travel Industry", to the HKCEC which was opened in 1988 and later expanded in 1997.

Mr Cliff Wallace, Managing Director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Ltd. (HML), said the accolade was given for the third consecutive year because delegates and meeting attendees had not only positive experiences in the HKCEC but overall positive experiences in Hong Kong.

"As much as I am thrilled with the general opinion of the HKCEC and its service standards, we must realise that a great building in an otherwise inferior city would probably not lead to that venue being selected as the leading conference venue in such a competitive industry," he added.

"Hong Kong simply has the reputation as the place to exhibit, participate and transact business."

Impressive surge in attendance

Since it opened in 1988, total attendance at HKCEC has exceeded 42 million. Overall attendance in the fiscal year July to December 2004 surged 11.6 per cent to over 2 million, compared to the same period in 2003. 

"There are very few exhibition centres that host over 100 exhibitions a year and have such a high percentage - over 60 per cent - of recurrent exhibitions. HKCEC is one of the busiest centres in the world, probably the busiest, in overall number of events per year. It is averaging over 5 separate events per day and it is operational with events 365 days a year," explained Mr Wallace.

He said in his ten years as HML's Managing Director, he has seen considerable changes in the overall event activity. "Entertainment activity is increasing and we will have more than 60 major concerts this year."  International artistes like Norah Jones, Sting, R.E.M. and k.d. Lang have performed in the HKCEC recently.

Later in the year, the award-winning HKCEC will play host to two significant international conferences - the Lions Clubs International Convention and the WTO 6th Ministerial Conference.

"These two prestigious events will mark a milestone in strengthening HKCEC's already established position as a world-class venue hosting the greatest events of the world," said Mr Wallace.

Related link
The HKCEC is managed and operated by Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Ltd (HML). For details or reservations, please click here or call its Booking Hotline (852) 2582 1111.