The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded on July 21, 2026, drawing nearly 1 million visits over seven days. The event, held concurrently with the Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks, brought together over 770 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions. The fair’s theme, “Reading the World: Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys,” emphasized cultural exploration and literary discovery.
The high attendance underscores the enduring appeal of the Book Fair as a beloved cultural event. Despite heavy rain in the initial days, visitor enthusiasm remained strong, particularly over the weekend. Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, noted that the lively atmosphere demonstrated the public’s continued captivation. The inclusion of the inaugural ASEAN Literary Festival further highlighted Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange, fostering direct engagement between ASEAN authors and readers.
A survey of over 860 visitors revealed an average spending of HK$923, with 45% attending primarily to purchase newly released books. The findings also showed that 98.2% of respondents achieved their intended objectives, reinforcing the fair’s dual role as a reader destination and a key sales platform for publishers. Fiction was the most popular genre (46%), followed by literature (22%) and comics (21%). The widespread adoption of electronic payments (85% of respondents) reflected evolving consumer habits.
Exhibitors reported strong sales and valuable industry insights. Cosmos Books Director Alva Au noted that around 40 new titles debuted at the fair, with popular categories including works by renowned authors and Hong Kong-themed publications. Bangzo Books HK owner Abdul sold nearly 90% of inventory by the fifth day and plans to expand next year. The Emirates Publishers Association, a first-time exhibitor from the UAE, secured rights agreements for 25 titles, highlighting cross-regional business collaboration facilitated by the fair.
The Book Fair also served as a platform for industry dialogue on the impact of artificial intelligence. The International Publishing Forum, themed “Reading for All in the Age of AI,” drew over 250 professionals to discuss how AI can enhance reading efficiency and foster cross-sector cooperation. The IP Roundtable focused on copyright challenges and opportunities in the AI era, with experts from seven countries sharing perspectives on regulatory changes and licensing strategies.
The concurrent Sports and Leisure Expo and World of Snacks contributed to the event’s synergy, with attractions like the “Multi-sport Playground” drawing over 3,600 visitors. The fairs collectively offered a diverse experience, from traditional snacks to interactive sports challenges, reinforcing the HKTDC’s efforts to promote business opportunities and industry exchange.
The success of this year’s Book Fair reaffirms its significance as a cultural cornerstone and a driver of economic activity in the publishing sector. As Hong Kong continues to position itself as a super connector, events like these play a crucial role in fostering international trade and cultural understanding.
