Photo by Dan Freeman via Unsplash
Hong Kong is set to host over 100 mega events in the second half of the year, including 15 new shows, conferences, and exhibitions, which the government says offer significant “value for money” in attracting visitors and boosting the city’s economy.
According to a South China Morning Post report, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun announced on Tuesday that from July to December, the city will host 42 large-scale conferences, 25 artistic and creative activities, 15 sports competitions, 13 financial and technology-related functions, and 11 festive events.
With these events, Hong Kong aims to attract 1.7 million travellers, generate HK$7.2 billion in spending, and contribute HK$4.3 billion to the local economy.
Wong emphasized that these mega events are cost-effective, as the government expects to spend HK$200 million in subsidies this financial year, down from HK$330 million previously. Authorities will also support event organizers with venues and crowd control.
Among the new 15 events are Super Terminal Expo 2024 for transport and logistics leaders, and SmartCon 2024, an annual conference by American blockchain company Chainlink. SmartCon marks the company’s first event in Asia. Other major events include Hong Kong Fashion Design Week, the Wine & Dine Festival, the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo, and the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup.
In response to past mishaps, such as a football match where football star Lionel Messi failed to play, the Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung stated that the government withdrew subsidies from the organizers and is reassessing funding strategies.
“Not only the government, but all event organisers should also be cautious and prepare for [negative] situations that can possibly arise,” Yeung noted.
Separately, the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s executive director, Dane Cheng Ting-yat, said that four potential mega events covered ball games, tournaments, entertainment, and arts and culture.
“Most of them” had not been held in Hong Kong before, and further details would be announced “at the appropriate time,” he added.
Lawmaker Vincent Cheng Wing-shun, a member of the legislature’s panel on home affairs, culture, and sports, called on the government to enhance collaboration with the tourism and related sectors to maximize the economic benefits of the upcoming mega events.
He suggested launching promotions in mainland and overseas cities, as well as introducing tourism packages for mega events and city tours to attract overnight visitors.
