While Asia might be considered a relative latecomer to the amusement industry - and what it can mean for tourism, it is fast catching up and there is no shortage of players who see the potential. So it wasn't surprising that some of the world's leading leisure and entertainment providers made a beeline for Hong Kong in July to attend the Asian Amusement Expo at the HKCEC.

The 133 exhibitors offered an amazing variety of products to keep young and old amused, from the latest technological wonders to tried and tested favourites. And there was no shortage of buyers among the 2,000-plus visitors, 40% of whom jetted in from some 50 countries worldwide.

As Bob Cooney of Global VR exclaimed: "Wow! Real buyers with real cash! We sold everything in two hours of the first day!" Equally enthusiastic was John Wood of the American animatronics and dark rides company, Sally Corp: "The show consistently delivers new prospects and opportunities."

Delegates interested in learning more about the "Experience Economy" attended the concurrent Leisure and Entertainment Asia conference. This featured a number of high-profile speakers who shared their experiences on how to generate repeat business in everything from theme parks and hotels to shops and restaurants. Of particular interest was how some of these international companies had adapted their products to the Asian environment.

Hot topics were the latest mega theme park projects coming on stream in the region - Universal Studios Japan (March 2001), Tokyo Disney Sea (September 2001) and the much-anticipated Disneyland Hong Kong due to open in 2005.

The three-day event also included Amusement Management School courses to help operators upgrade their staff training programmes. Run by the Expo co-organiser, International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA), the courses covered recruitment and selection, risk management and supervisory skills. Said CEO John Graff: "IAAPA is once again pleased to be an integral party of this important event."

But it wasn't all work and no play. Exhibitors, speakers and delegates were treated to a couple of fun nights, first joining 'celebrities' for photos at Madame Tussaud's wax museum, and then competing in kart racing at the huge venue located in the old Kai Tak airport terminal.

As the world's fastest growing industry, travel and tourism never cease to catch the imagination and enthusiasm of both professional and traveller. That was certainly the case at this year's ITE when attendance set new records and deals struck exceeded all expectations.

The four-day event attracted some 6,300 global trade buyers and visitors, including 100 high-level buyers in the outbound trade from all over Mainland China. Their ranks were swelled on the last two days when the doors opened to the public and more than 52,000 potential travellers toured the HKCEC's spacious halls looking for holiday bargains and pastures new.

There was much on offer. From the rich heritage and culture of Europe and the excitement of big international cities, to the enticements of the great outdoors and the mystical attractions of the East - the choice spread among some 400 booths and pavilions was endless.

Following the success of last year's expo, most of the Asian national pavilions increased their booth size, with China's National Tourism Administration once again taking pride of place. They were joined by 13 national and regional tourism bodies participating for the first time, including such diverse destinations as Poland, Finland, India, New York and Canada - all keen to tap the lucrative Asian market and gain a foothold in China, which is destined to become the world's biggest outbound travel market.

In all, 41 national tourism organisations (NTOs) showed the flag among the 45 countries and regions represented at the Expo. Their stands were complemented by the full spectrum of the travel and tourism industry, from travel agents, hotels and airlines, to information reservation system, transportation specialists and trade publications. Of particular interest to both buyers and the public were the adventure specialists and theme parks.

Many of the trade professionals attended seminars covering outbound travel, the China market and IT and corporate travel, while a series of Buyers Meet Sellers sessions ensured that all interested parties had the opportunity to exchange information and negotiate business deals.