HONG KONG -- The week-long 35th Hong Kong Book Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), along with the HKTDC Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and the HKTDC World of Snacks, concluded on Tuesday, attracting a total of 890,000 visits.

Sophie Chang, deputy executive director of HKTDC, said that the event remains a favorite among locals and tourists. Despite disruptions from Typhoon Wipha on Sunday, many book lovers took advantage of the fair before and after the storm. The organizers extended hours on Monday to boost sales and visitor opportunities.

Themed "Food Culture · Future Living," this year's fair featured special promotions that drew over 10,000 attendees born in 1990 who were eligible for free entry. Multiple lectures were fully booked, featuring well-known authors engaging with fans. The simultaneous expos offered a variety of experiences and food, enhancing the overall appeal.

A survey of over 860 attendees revealed an average spending of HK$918 ($116.94) at the fair, a slight increase from last year, accounting for 57 percent of their annual budget for printed books.

Notably, over 90 percent of exhibitors accepted electronic payments, with 81 percent of visitors opting for this method. The primary reasons for attending included purchasing new books (55 percent) and enjoying discounts (49 percent), while 27 percent sought the international book fair atmosphere, confirming the event's status as a key platform for book enthusiasts and the publishing industry.

The Hong Kong Book Fair opened on July 16 but paused for a day due to Typhoon Wipha.