HONG KONG -- The 31st Food Expo and four concurrent events hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) ended here Monday, attracting more than 370,000 visitors despite the COVID-19 epidemic.

Hong Kong people were in high spirits when visiting the five-day food expo held in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC) in Wan Chai.

Global exhibitors gathered at the food expo, showcasing a huge variety of food items from all over the world.

The epidemic did not dampen the public's enthusiasm. Stepping into the exhibition hall, large crowds of visitors geared up with trolleys and suitcases, all ready for a shopping spree. Lots of visitors had their bags loaded with various kinds of goods and products.

A regular visitor of the Food Expo, who is surnamed Lee, chatted with staff at a food stall joyfully after her purchase with a few loaded shopping bags laying by her feet. "Even though food tasting is not allowed this year, I think the atmosphere here is still great," she said.

Due to the epidemic, several preventive measures have been implemented this year, such as limiting the number of admission and prohibiting food tasting in the venue.

A total of 30,000 free admissions were given to visitors who received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine on a first-come-first-serve-basis during weekdays.

Hui, General Manager of Network Foods (Hong Kong) Ltd, told Xinhua that even though the number of customers was not as high as the last food expo which was held in 2019, their sales went up compared to it.

The expo was suspended due to the epidemic in 2020.

"People are eager to go shopping," said the manager. "They longed for an event like this, shopping in a happy environment like this helps them release their stress under the epidemic."

With the government distributing consumption vouchers, Hui also hoped that it will encourage the public to spend more.

The average per capita spending in the fairs this year reached HK$1,273 (about $164), according to an interview conducted by HKTDC.

Apart from the food expo, four other events, including expos of wine, tea, home appliances and beauty products, were held concurrently this year at the HKCEC. Around 900 exhibitors from all over the world participated in these events.