Introducing monthly fireworks displays and drone shows above Victoria Harbour would have a limited impact on Hong Kong’s tourism sector, an industry representative has said.
Sara Leung, chair of the Hong Kong Tourism Industry Employees General Union, told RTHK on Tuesday that she was not optimistic about the plan, which is expected to be revealed during the city’s annual budget address on Wednesday.
Leung said the displays would at most attract tourists from “neighbouring areas” but not those from overseas. “There would definitely be [visitors], but would it be a large number? I don’t think so,” she added.
She said that the displays – which would also be expensive – would also lose their novelty if they are held every month. The government should instead invest its resources in attractions that displayed Hong Kong’s special characteristics, she suggested.
Leung also said injecting funds into the catering industry and supporting small businesses would be more effective in stimulating the tourism industry, pointing to a manpower shortage that has crippled bars and restaurants.
Hong Kong’s finance chief will make the city’s annual budget address on Wednesday, during which spending plans for the coming year will be announced. The city expects a deficit of more than HK$100 billion for a second consecutive year.
Ahead of the address, government sources told local paper Sing Tao Daily that authorities are considering holding monthly fireworks and drone shows above Victoria Harbour in a bid to revitalise the city’s tourism industry. The cost of “hundreds of millions” will be borne by the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
See more: HKFP Lens: Hong Kong rings in Year of the Dragon with Lunar New Year parade, fireworks
The government would also commission the board to revamp the nightly “Symphony of Lights” light show and organise seasonal, themed events such as city walks to cater to tourists looking for more “in-depth and cultural experiences,” the paper reported.
Post-Covid tourism lull
Hong Kong has struggled to revive its tourism industry since years-long Covid restrictions were lifted. Visitor figures have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, while tourism-related sectors have said recovery is being stalled by a manpower shortage.
The return of tourists from mainland China has outpaced that of international visitors, data from the Tourism Board showed.
Speaking on the same RTHK show, lawmaker Kitson Yang said he did not think monthly fireworks and drone shows alone would be enough to draw tourists to the city.
A revamp of the Symphony of Lights may also be insufficient, Yang said, adding that the city should consider introducing themed light shows.
Simon Lee, an honorary fellow at the Asia-Pacific Institute of Business at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, told Oriental Daily that fireworks displays mainly attracted mainland tourists. Many of whom were on day trips or low-cost tours, meaning their visits yielded limited economic benefits for the city.
Hong Kong did not need monthly fireworks displays, only on major festivals, he said.
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