Mark your calendars: from March 30 to April 2, 2026, the vibrant city of Shanghai will host HOTELEX Shanghai 2026, the continent’s premier hospitality and foodservice trade event. Staged at the sprawling National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Qingpu District, this year’s edition will unfold across an unprecedented 400,000 square meters, making it the most expansive in its storied 30-plus-year history.
A Catalyst for Hospitality Innovation and Tourism
Supported by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, HOTELEX is firmly embedded in China’s broader 14th Five-Year Plan and the ambitious “Tourism Plus Shanghai” initiative. These strategic frameworks are designed to elevate Shanghai’s global profile as a nexus of gastronomy, hospitality, and commercial creativity—providing vital momentum for the regional tourism ecosystem.
For international brands, entrepreneurs, and hospitality professionals, the expo serves as a launchpad into Asia’s fast-growing hospitality landscape. With over 3,500 exhibitors and a projected attendance of more than 300,000 industry professionals, this edition promises exceptional opportunities to network, negotiate, and discover next-generation trends.
A Panorama of Products, Trends, and Culinary Culture
HOTELEX Shanghai 2026 exemplifies its reputation as a cross-sector convergence of hospitality—from hotel infrastructure and catering systems to beverages, fine food, and innovative packaging. In addition, themed exhibition zones span Coffee & Tea, Tableware, Bakery, Franchising, and Smart Kitchen Technologies, inviting attendees into a comprehensive marketplace that mirrors the full hospitality value chain.
Beyond business, HOTELEX provides a sensory feast. Visitors and culinary enthusiasts can explore evolving food traditions and innovation—from artisanal teas and specialty coffee to gourmet desserts and smart kitchen design. The show’s fusion of tourism, food heritage, and cutting-edge hospitality design offers a compelling destination experience in the heart of Shanghai.
International Scope, Local Impact
Following a successful 2025 edition—featuring a 34 percent increase in international buyers and strong on-site sales—the 2026 expo is building on that momentum. With global participation from markets like Italy, Japan, and the U.S., the event underscores Shanghai’s status as a center of global hospitality commerce.
Tailored matchmaking services connect international suppliers with Chinese buyers, maximizing ROI for exhibitors and nurturing cross-border collaboration. As inbound tourism rebounds in China, HOTELEX stands as a vital platform for global brands aiming to tap into this dynamic market.
Experiences for Every Visitor Type
- Business Travelers & Entrepreneurs: Access unmatched networking and strategic sourcing opportunities to penetrate China’s hospitality sector.
- Industry Professionals: Hotel and restaurant operators can explore the latest in eco-friendly design, smart kitchens, culinary equipment, and franchise systems.
- Culinary Enthusiasts & Tourists: Immerse yourself in Shanghai’s evolving food identity by engaging with chefs, tastings, competitions, and cultural showcases—all within an exhibition setting.
- High-End Travelers: Connect with industry leaders, culinary critics, and restaurateurs, and embrace a uniquely elevated travel experience centered around hospitality and gastronomy.
Shanghai’s Role as Global Tourism Hub
HOTELEX Shanghai 2026 isn’t just an exhibition—it’s an accelerator of Shanghai’s transformation into a global tourism powerhouse. As the world factions lean on integrated, tourism-driven economic models, events like HOTELEX foster collaboration spanning culture, business, and innovation.
The expo enriches the urban tapestry by blending trade, cuisine, tech, and cultural exchange. For professionals and tourists alike, it’s now a key waypoint in any exploration of the future of hospitality, culinary arts, and tourism in China.
In summary, HOTELEX Shanghai 2026—set for March 30 to April 2 at the NECC Shanghai—will be the largest and most dynamic hospitality and foodservice trade show in Asia to date. Whether you’re a trade professional, global brand, gastronomic traveler, or tourism industry watcher, don’t miss this extraordinary confluence of business, culture, and culinary creativity.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
