CE points to the financial benefits of hosting large-scale popular attractions

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday reaffirmed the contribution that hosting major events makes to the economy.

He made the remarks while reporting encouraging tourism figures for the first quarter of this year during a media briefing ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting.

From January through March, Hong Kong welcomed 11.23 million visitors, 2.5 times the number in the same period last year. The hosting of large-scale financial, cultural, and sporting events drew large crowds, benefiting the hotel, catering, retail and entertainment industries.

Passenger flow at Hong Kong International Airport is expected to hit pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year, while the number of hotel rooms has risen by 7.6 percent, compared with that before COVID-19

One standout example is the city’s iconic Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, which attracted more than 100,000 spectators from Friday to Sunday — a one-third increase from last year. The influx of spectators generated up to 50 percent growth in business for bars on Hong Kong Island.

Lee said that the upcoming international conventions and exhibitions in April, including the Digital Economy Summit and the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion, will bring in high-spending business travelers and continue to stimulate economic activities.

The enhancements to the city’s infrastructure have also boosted Hong Kong’s capacity to receive visitors. Passenger numbers at Hong Kong International Airport are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, and hotel room availability has risen by 7.6 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Lee said he was pleased to see local industries adapting to the evolving consumption patterns, expanding their offerings with activities like yoga, jogging, and hiking to meet the demands of residents and tourists alike.

In a boon for local sports enthusiasts, Lee announced that the government has purchased the broadcasting rights for the Paris Olympics and Paralympics — to be held from July 26 to Aug 11, and Aug 28 to Sept 8 respectively. The sporting extravaganza will be broadcast on three free-to-air TV stations and the public broadcaster Radio Television Hong Kong.

As of March, Hong Kong athletes had already qualified for 15 events at the Paris Olympics and 12 events at the Paralympic Games. Lee encouraged the Hong Kong athletes to strive for more open positions in the next two months.

Lee said the government will work with the TV stations to foster a positive community atmosphere, including leveraging social media to amplify engagement.

While the cost of the broadcasting rights remains undisclosed because of confidentiality rules, Lee confirmed the price was lower than that paid for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

In response to public concern over the pilot waste-charging program that began on April 1, Lee said that the government is closely monitoring data and public opinion during the trial phase, and will determine the next course of action in the coming months.

Noting that the program has already been established in law, Lee said that the government needs to conduct the waste-charging trial in a serious manner to “take it forward”.

Following the formation of the Working Group on Patriotic Education on Monday, Lee said its appointed members were selected for their knowledge about the country’s history, culture, and their passion and love for the country. He said he hopes the members — including convener Starry Lee Wai-king, 12 official members and 12 nonofficial members — will serve as “leaders” and inspire others through their knowledge and passion.

Contact the writers at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com