Opinion | For Hong Kong to go global, it could start by valuing the local

The budget speech underlined the government’s commitment to promoting the city globally, but the focus on mega events might be misguided

Local culture – from neon signs to tong lau – could serve as the city’s calling card, but it needs to be proactively preserved with a cross-departmental approach

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Shoppers select Lunar New Year decorations and red packets amid a sea of festive ornaments at Tai Kiu market in Yuen Long on January 28. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 2:30pm, 1 Mar 2024

Over the past few months, the Hong Kong government has been busy promoting the city to the world. Although the last mega event – a match between Inter Miami and the Hong Kong XI that brought football superstar Lionel Messi to Hong Kong – disappointed many, the city will continue to host large-scale events from Art Basel to LIV Golf.

In addition, in his budget speech, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po announced that the government will hold pyrotechnic and drone shows against backdrop Victoria Harbour at night every month, reportedly at a cost of HK$1 million a show. However, the industry is sceptical about the idea’s effectiveness. Sara Leung, chair of the Hong Kong Tourism Industry Employees General Union, said the plan would not attract visitors from overseas, and would make fireworks less novel in the long run.

Hosting large-scale events and fireworks displays will not sustain the city’s brand worldwide. They show Hong Kong has the infrastructure to host tourists, but not the city’s overall attractiveness.

The government surely realises that tourists, in particular mainland tourists, are interested in more than skyscrapers and shopping malls. According to the budget speech, the Tourism Board will promote in-depth experiences with themes like city walks. However, the city needs to have interesting places to walk through for this idea to work.

The budget speech highlighted the Sai Kung Hoi Arts Festival and Design District Hong Kong, great opportunities to connect international events with the local cultural and natural landscape. Hong Kong has much to be explored, preserved and promoted.

Unfortunately, the city has lost many of the unique cultural and material resources that could have interested tourists. If the government does not take action, more will be lost.