‘Concert economy’: Hong Kong seeks to revive tourism through new mega venue, anti-scalping moves

Law was responding to lawmaker Chow Man-kong, who asked about Hong Kong’s efforts to develop the “concert economy” to boost tourism and the economy.

Hong Kong, once a leading tourism hub, has been trying to lure visitors back after gradually reopening its borders in late 2022. Visitor numbers reached 34 million last year, only 52 per cent of the total in 2018. 

Chow also asked if the government would introduce measures to encourage concert organisers to collaborate with shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels near performance venues to boost consumption and stimulate the local economy. 

In response, Law said the tourism board has a “dedicated page” consolidating and listing out detailed information on concerts held in Hong Kong, for travellers to better plan their itineraries and hopefully visit different parts of the city while still catching the performances.

Since March last year, the tourism board has also set up a dedicated division to serve as a “first point of contact for mega events”. 

“(The division) has been actively engaging various stakeholders … and providing a wide range of support, including reviewing and assessing proposals from organisers, helping organisers to search for venues, arranging site recces, advising on event planning and assisting in publicity and promotion,”’ said Law.

“The government welcomes and is glad to see the organisers of pop concerts have been strengthening cross-sector promotion and tourism products, creating comprehensive and immersive travel experiences for tourists.”

BANKING ON A NEW MEGA VENUE

Law also highlighted how an upcoming multi-purpose venue is expected to further stimulate Hong Kong’s concert landscape.

Set to open in the first quarter of the year, Kai Tak Sports Park will be Hong Kong’s largest sports and entertainment venue.

The park holds a 50,000-seat stadium with a retractable roof and flexible pitch surface, as well as a 10,000-seat indoor sports centre and a public sports ground with 5,000 seats. 

Chow had asked Law if the government would consider inviting “singers who are highly influential among the Chinese communities at home and abroad” to perform at the park’s opening ceremony, raising the international profile of the venue.

He cited examples such as Hong Kong’s “Four Heavenly Kings” – Andy Lau, Jacky Cheung, Leon Lai and Aaron Kwok. 

Law confirmed that the sports park will organise an opening event in the first quarter but gave no details on any celebrities who would be participating.