Informa Markets and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the launch and development of The Festival of Connoisseurs, a new luxury lifestyle platform set to be hosted in Hong Kong from 2026 to 2028.
The agreement was signed on May 27, 2026, marking HKTB as the first strategic partner for the initiative. Under the partnership, both organizations will work together to position Hong Kong as the host city for the festival, with the inaugural edition scheduled to take place in November 2026 ahead of a larger-scale expansion in 2027.
A signing ceremony was held in Hong Kong with Dr. Peter Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board; Stephen Carter, Group CEO of Informa Plc; Anthony Lau, Executive Director of HKTB; and Margaret Ma Connolly, President & CEO of Informa Markets Asia, along with travel trade representatives and industry stakeholders.
The Festival of Connoisseurs is envisioned as a new luxury platform for Asia, bringing together leading international brands, experiences, and audiences. The initiative forms part of Informa Markets’ long-term investment strategy in the region and aims to establish Hong Kong as a key destination for luxury experiences and high-end tourism.
The festival will initially feature nine curated worlds of luxury — Marina, Marque, Vault, Galerie, Passage, Estate, Zenith, Vitalis, and Culinaire — representing sectors such as yachting, automotive, fine art, travel, wellness, gastronomy, and lifestyle experiences. Organisers have indicated that these categories will continue to evolve and expand in future editions.
Unlike traditional exhibition formats, The Festival of Connoisseurs will adopt a “City-as-Your-Showroom” approach, transforming Hong Kong’s landmarks and cultural precincts into immersive event venues and experiential destinations.
The 2026 edition will serve as a soft launch, laying the groundwork for a larger international event in 2027 with expanded programming, increased exhibitor participation, and a broader portfolio of citywide experiences.
The initiative is also expected to contribute to the growth of Hong Kong’s yacht economy while highlighting the city’s maritime heritage to international audiences.
Speaking about the partnership, Dr. Peter Lam, Chairman, Hong Kong Tourism Board said, “This partnership is of great significance. It not only elevates Hong Kong’s position as a premier global destination for high-end MICE tourism but also affirms the city’s vital role as a ‘super-connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’ between the Chinese Mainland and the world. At the same time, the collaboration drives the development of Hong Kong’s high-end tourism market and helps attract more international brands and high-value visitors to the city. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Tourism Commission, our trade partners and stakeholders for their unwavering support as we work hand in hand to advance Hong Kong’s journey as the World’s Meeting Place.”
Margaret Ma Connolly, President & CEO, Informa Markets Asia said, “The decision to launch The Festival of Connoisseurs here is not simply a commercial one. It is a profound statement of conviction. We believe Hong Kong stands as the sovereign gateway between the world’s second largest economy and the global stage, where the Eastern prosperity meets the Western artistry. By bringing together the resources, know-how and expertise of Informa’s global luxury portfolio — from the world’s most prestigious boat shows to the finest Jewellery fairs, from the exclusive private aviation platforms in Dubai to the spectacular supercar showcases in Monaco — and anchoring them here in Hong Kong, we are establishing Asia’s definitive luxury show platform for the long term.”
With its focus on luxury experiences, international partnerships, and citywide engagement, The Festival of Connoisseurs is expected to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a global destination for high-value tourism, business events, and luxury lifestyle experiences.
