Over HK$1.1 billion will be allocated to promote mega events and boost tourism in Hong Kong, in a move to “soft-sell” the city, the government has announced.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan delivered the budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year on Wednesday, announcing that the government would earmark HK$1.09 billion to boost tourism.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will host firework displays and drone shows every month against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour. It also plans to revamp the nightly light-and-sound show A Symphony of Lights. Meanwhile, the Development Bureau will introduce shops and restaurants at some harbourfront locations.
Chan said the HKTB would also promote activities such as hiking, cycling, trail running and “citywalk” – a way of wandering and exploring the city enjoyed by mainland Chinese tourists.
“It’s all part of an energising effort to soft-sell Hong Kong,” Chan said in Cantonese. He added that the HKTB would launch a new tourism brand and a new round of publicity activities, including producing reality shows.
A government source told HKFP that the new pyrotechnics displays would be comparable to last year’s West Kowloon Winterfest, as opposed to the larger-scale, more expensive Lunar New Year or National Day fireworks. Themes may differ depending on the time of the year.
When asked about environmental concerns, the source said the government would follow environmental standards and laws.
They added that the government would speak to consultants with a view to revamping the Symphony of Lights skyline light show in 2025.
In addition, Chan said the government would allocate HK$100 million to the Mega Events Coordination Group for mega-events promotion.
Authorities set up an inter-departmental coordination group in late January to support and promote large-scale events in the city.
Michael Wong, deputy financial secretary, said in late January that the government “will step up promoting the development of mega event economy” and “reach out proactively and attract more world-class mega events to be staged in Hong Kong.”
Hong Kong has struggled with weak economic recovery after all Covid-19 measures were lifted early last year, which authorities have attributed to external factors such as high interest rates globally.
The government has launched a series of initiatives aimed at boosting the economic outlook, among them a “night vibes” campaign in September involving movie screenings and night markets along the harbourfront. Last year, the government worked with airlines to give away 500,000 plane tickets for visitors to come to the city as part of its “Happy Hong Kong” drive.
Arrival numbers have risen since Hong Kong’s Covid travel curbs were lifted, led by visitors from mainland China. However, spending has lagged, with tourists’ habits having evolved.
Hong Kong Budget 2024 in full:
- City expects HK$101.6 billion deficit as land sales revenue dip
- City’s economy grew by 3.2% last year, inflation ‘moderate’
- Finance chief asks for ‘understanding’ over lack of sweeteners
- Costly transport subsidy schemes face review amid HK$100 billion deficit
- Artificial islands project delayed, finance chief Paul Chan says, but will go ahead
- Tobacco tax rises for second consecutive year to put public off smoking
- Higher salaries tax rate for those earning over HK$5 million annually
- No consumption vouchers as relief measures scaled back
- City seeks to bring back 3% hotel tax to increase revenue
- Extra stamp duties axed in bid to revive housing market
- Over HK$1.1 billion to ‘soft sell’ city, inc. monthly drone and fireworks shows
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