New York ETO Hosts 2026 Dragon Boat Festival in Boston, Celebrating Culture and Community Spirit with 1,700 Paddlers

New York ETO kicks off 2026 dragon boat festival in Boston

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) proudly supported the 47th Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival on June 14 (Boston time), marking the official start of the 2026 dragon boat festival season. More than 1 700 paddlers from 72 teams competed on the Charles River, celebrating one of Hong Kong's most cherished cultural traditions while fostering friendship and community spirit.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, highlighted the festival as a celebration of teamwork, perseverance and community - core values that resonate deeply with both Hong Kong and Boston. "Few events capture the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, community and striving for the best quite like dragon boat racing," she said. "Events like today's festival are a wonderful reminder of the enduring ties between Hong Kong and the United States."

Ms Ho noted that in 2027, the New York ETO will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which also marks three decades of fostering constructive dialogue and strengthening economic, trade and cultural ties between Hong Kong and the United States.

In addition, she highlighted the close links between Hong Kong and Boston, noting that several Boston-based companies have established Asian regional hubs in Hong Kong, and that Boston Consulting Group recently recognised Hong Kong as the world's largest cross-border wealth management centre. She encouraged participants to explore Hong Kong's growing innovation and technology ecosystem.

Beyond the exciting races on the Charles River, the festival grounds buzzed with cultural performances, craft demonstrations and Asian culinary offerings. The New York ETO's promotional booth attracted significant interest from participants and spectators alike, with the festival welcoming more than 40 000 visitors throughout the day.

Boston marked the first stop of the New York ETO's annual dragon boat festival season. The New York ETO will next support Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festivals in New York and Atlanta later this summer.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) hosted a special appreciation dinner for past and present board members of the Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival on June 13 (Boston time). Photo shows the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho (centre), and the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in New York, Mr Chen Li (left), presenting a commemorative gift to the former President of the Board of Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, Ms Gail Wang (right), for her contributions to the annual festival event. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) hosted a special appreciation dinner for past and present board members of the Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival on June 13 (Boston time). Photo shows the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, (front row, third right) with the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in New York, Mr Chen Li (front row, fourth right), and past and present board members. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The 47th Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival was held on June 14 (Boston time), bringing together more than 1 700 paddlers from 72 teams and attracting more than 40 000 spectators. The promotional booth of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York attracted significant interest from the participants. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The 47th Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival was held on June 14 (Boston time), bringing together more than 1 700 paddlers from 72 teams and attracting more than 40 000 spectators. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York has donated a new dragon boat to the 47th Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The 47th Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival was held on June 14 (Boston time), bringing together more than 1 700 paddlers from 72 teams. Photo shows the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO), Ms Maisie Ho (front row, centre), with the dragon boat team of the New York ETO, the HKETONY Dragon Riders. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The 47th Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival was held on June 14 (Boston time), bringing together more than 1 700 paddlers from 72 teams. Photo shows the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO), Ms Maisie Ho (front row, first left) presenting the gold medal in the Community Race to the dragon boat team of the New York ETO, the HKETONY Dragon Riders. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The 47th Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival was held on June 14 (Boston time), bringing together more than 1 700 paddlers from 72 teams. Photo shows the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, Ms Maisie Ho (first left), with the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in New York, Mr Chen Li (second right) and his spouse (second left), and Massachusetts State Senate President Mr William N Brownsberger (first right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The 47th Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival was held on June 14 (Boston time), bringing together more than 1 700 paddlers from 72 teams. Photo shows the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York, Ms Maisie Ho (right), with the President of the Board of the Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, Mr Jeffrey Wang (left), dotting the eyes of the Hong Kong dragon boat. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO and InvestHK support Walpole APAC Forum to promote Hong Kong's business advantages

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London (London ETO) and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) supported the Walpole APAC Forum (the Forum) in London on June 15 (London time), promoting Hong Kong's role as an ideal springboard for United Kingdom (UK) luxury brands seeking to expand across Asia.

Organised by Walpole, an organisation representing British luxury brands, the Forum brought together senior executives and industry leaders from the retail, travel, marketing and professional services sectors. The programme covered market trends, consumer insights and branding strategies across the Asia-Pacific region, with particular focus on opportunities in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Forum was attended by about 60 participants from the relevant sectors.

In her welcome remarks, the Director-General of the London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, highlighted Hong Kong's distinctive role as a natural starting point for brands seeking to enter and scale in Asia. She said Hong Kong thrives on a robust common law system, strong intellectual property protection, free flow of capital, a simple and competitive tax regime, world-class logistics, and a diverse talent pool. She also promoted the launch of The Festival of Connoisseurs in Hong Kong later this year.

The Head of Consumer and Hospitality of InvestHK, Ms Sindy Wong, spoke at the discussion panel, she said, "Hong Kong remains a competitive and resilient luxury market, underpinned by steady wealth growth, a growing ultra-high-net-worth population and a gradual recovery in retail performance. As an international gateway between Chinese Mainland and the international market, Hong Kong brings together a diverse and discerning consumer base. Coupled with its proximity to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the city provides an ideal platform for UK luxury brands to enter, test and scale their presence across Asia, supported by strong market fundamentals and excellent regional connectivity."

During the Forum, the London ETO and InvestHK exchanged views with representatives of British luxury brands and other industry stakeholders, introducing Hong Kong's latest business environment and development opportunities, and encouraging companies to leverage Hong Kong as an important base for expanding into Asian markets and further developing their business in the region.

London ETO and InvestHK support Walpole APAC Forum to promote Hong Kong's business advantages Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO and InvestHK support Walpole APAC Forum to promote Hong Kong's business advantages Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO and InvestHK support Walpole APAC Forum to promote Hong Kong's business advantages Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases