The Hong Kong Tourism Board said in a statement that the 108th Lions International Convention is taking place at AsiaWorld-Expo from July 3 to 7 with about 17,000 delegates from over 200 member countries and regions in attendance. This marks the third occasion Hong Kong has hosted the prestigious event, having previously done so in 1992 and 2005. The board has partnered with Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong and Macao to facilitate the gathering, which includes an opening ceremony that attracted more than 10,000 representatives. Organizers are also attempting to set a world record with thousands of participants practicing Tai Chi simultaneously.
Dr Peter Lam, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, stated in the announcement that the board is delighted to partner with the district to bring the convention to Hong Kong for the third time. “HKTB is delighted to partner with the Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China, to bring this Convention to Hong Kong for the third time. Its return affirms Hong Kong’s position as the World’s Meeting Place,” Lam said. The chairman highlighted the city’s well developed infrastructure that supports such large scale international events. According to the board, exclusive tourism experiences have been curated to allow delegates to explore local attractions with special transport offers, discounted tickets and shopping promotions.
Dr Tam Wing-kun, honorary chairman of the Lions International Convention 2026 and a past international president, noted that Hong Kong is an international metropolis where Eastern and Western cultures converge. “With its well-developed professional services and comprehensive MICE infrastructure, Hong Kong is an ideal host for this international mega event,” Tam said. “I am delighted that the Convention has returned to Hong Kong for the third time,” he added. The comments underscore the event’s alignment with the city’s strengths in hosting major conferences.
Lions Clubs International comprises more than 1.4 million members organized into roughly 50,000 clubs spanning over 200 countries and regions, the organization figures show. The service club focuses on humanitarian projects, and its international convention serves as a platform for members to share experiences and plan initiatives. The Tai Chi record attempt ties into promoting physical exercise and broader sustainable development objectives.
Hong Kong’s meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions sector continues to recover strongly, with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council reporting that overnight MICE visitors spend approximately 40 percent more per capita than regular tourists. In a recent year the city welcomed 1.42 million such overnight MICE visitors, contributing significantly to the economy. The successful hosting of events like the Lions convention helps solidify Hong Kong’s reputation as a leading MICE destination in Asia.
A Grand View Research assessment found that the global MICE market, valued at 945.6 billion dollars in 2025, is set to grow at a compound annual rate of 8.6 percent through 2033. AsiaWorld-Expo, the convention venue, has played a key role in positioning Hong Kong as a hub for such gatherings through its modern facilities and proximity to the international airport. The influx of delegates is expected to boost local tourism, retail and hospitality sectors during the five-day event.
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