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Luisa Tam

We haven’t heard much about the Night Vibes Hong Kong campaign; I wonder what has happened to it.
Last September, the Hong Kong government unveiled the specifics and promotional initiatives for the campaign, including free MTR journeys after 10.30pm, discounts on late-night cinema screenings, and complimentary Wednesday nights at the Happy Valley Racecourse for the general public.
By January, the initiative had been expanded with the introduction of the “Day x Night Vibes” concept across all 18 districts, which was to involved curated events that showcased their local customs.
The launch of Night Vibes and its subsequent evolution were a big deal. However, updates on the progress of the campaign have been scant. Critics have suggested the campaign lacks the scale necessary to attract international visitors, let alone encourage residents to take part in nocturnal activities.

Regrettably, reports indicate that Hong Kong residents are increasingly venturing north to Shenzhen for their weekend excursions.
It is understandable that people opt to spend their time there when you consider that the journey from West Kowloon to Shenzhen is now accomplished in under half an hour via high-speed rail, and that what’s offer in Hong Kong is often deemed overpriced, underwhelming and lacking the allure and warmth found elsewhere.

Hong Kong is perceived to have lost its mojo, and this chimes with the feeling of a city grappling with an identity crisis.
The inherent problem is that the city has lost its soul or core essence; it is struggling to rise, like a boxer after being knocked down. Hong Kong seemingly lacks the vigour and tenacity that once defined it.
Critics have noted the recent exodus of residents, which contributes to the subdued nightlife atmosphere. While population replenishment is feasible in theory, executing this strategy effectively remains a challenge.

Hong Kong appears to have lost some of its defining qualities, such as its charm, and unique appeal. This loss of intrinsic character reinforces the narrative of a city adrift in uncertainty.
However, recent events offer a ray of hope. An exhibition of giant figures of the Japanese manga character Doraemon has attracted a diverse array of tourists from the Philippines, Japan, and the United States, among other places. The exhibition, on the harbourfront in Kowloon until mid-August, has been a notable draw.
It shows that embracing simplicity may be key to revitalising Hong Kong’s tourism industry.

Noteworthy past initiatives included the display of giant heart-shaped balloons across the city on Valentine’s Day this year, which created a visually appealing backdrop for couples as they celebrated their love.
Another example is the return in 2023 of the giant rubber duck installation to Victoria Harbour.
Offering such enjoyment, particularly if it is free, could rev up our economy. Indeed, the “fun economy” is recognised as a substantial contributor to global economic output. Look at Las Vegas, which has triumphed with its casinos and top-notch entertainment.
Assuming Hong Kong intends to keep its distance from gambling and avoid encroaching on the territory of neighbour Macau, we can champion “clean fun” geared towards families.
The fun economy encompasses entertainment, recreation, and social pursuits. Hong Kong thus has a variety of investment options to improve its inbound tourism and nightlife.
In addition to the usual themed attractions, nightlife hubs, concerts and other cultural happenings, we can prioritise family-oriented experiences to improve the city’s allure for tourists and residents alike.

Doraemon, chubby hearts, and giant rubber duck installations work because they appeal to all ages – who isn’t captivated by cartoon characters and other objects that remind them of the joys of childhood?
Cartoons are by their nature escapist, and allow viewers to leave behind real-world pressures for a moment as they embrace imaginary realms. The whimsy and endearing characters found in cartoons make everyone happy and the adults nostalgic. And when people are content, they tend to spend more.
But the city has an opportunity to reimagine the fun economy and introduce its version of a “de-stress economy”. While this may not feature in mainstream economic discussions, it resonates with a growing acknowledgement of the significance of well-being and mental wellness to economic progress.
In a “de-stress economy”, policymakers, businesses, and other stakeholders would concentrate on creating conditions that foster holistic well-being, work-life balance, and mental health.
This could mean enacting policies that encourage flexible work arrangements, advocating mindfulness, stress reduction and prevention, establishing robust social support systems, and prioritising sustainable and responsible economic development rather than unchecked production and consumption.
A “de-stress economy” in Hong Kong could attract talented professionals seeking better quality of life in a more sustainable and fulfilling society.
Shifting the focus to happiness and health alongside financial success might enhance Hong Kong’s appeal as a place to visit and to live.
Luisa Tam is a Post editor who also hosts video tutorials on Cantonese language that are now part of Cathay Pacific’s in-flight entertainment programme


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Make Hong Kong a ‘de-stress economy’ and it could draw visitors and fresh talent

Less is more when it comes to Hong Kong staging ‘mega events’

Why tourism-hungry Hong Kong needs to get with the times, put inclusion front and centre and even become a diversity hub

My Hong Kong

The 100% Doraemon & Friends Tour made Hong Kong its first port of call. Photo: Dickson Lee

The 100% Doraemon & Friends Tour, an exhibition of figures of the Japanese cartoon character, stopped first on Hong Kong’s harbourfront, drawing international visitors. It is a “fun economy” event, one of several that have worked. Make Hong Kong a “de-stress economy” and it could be a bigger draw. Photo: Dickson Lee

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po attends the Night Vibes Hong Kong campaign launch ceremony in September 2023. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong residents were among those who queued more than two hours for the chance to bag bargains when the Costco superstore opened in Shenzhen in January. Photo: Eugene Lee

Travellers at the Hong Kong High Speed Rail terminus in West Kowloon on the first day of the 2024 Easter holiday. Many residents have seized the chance to travel north. Photo: Jonathan Wong

A couple pose in front of the Chubby Hearts Hong Kong art installation by fashion designer Anya Hindmarch in Kennedy Town on Valentine’s Day, an example of a “fun economy” event. Photo: Eugene Lee

A young visitor enjoys the 100% Doraemon & Friends Tour exhibition in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Dickson Lee

Summer 2024 fun in Hong Kong – 6 events, from an anime convention to a pop-up water park

Want to turn up the fun in Hong Kong this summer? We have you covered, including an anime convention and the Abba musical Mamma Mia! Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Jin Yucheng (above), author of Blossoms, and novelist Kim Ho-yeon will conduct seminars on writing at the Hong Kong Book Fair. 

Fans at the Ani-com and Games 2023. This year, the convention runs from July 26 to 30 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Mamma Mia! returns to the city at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in Wan Chai. Photo: Winson Wong

Visitors admire artworks at Art Basel, Asia’s biggest art fair, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai in March 2024, an example of a successful major event already being staged. Photo: Eugene Lee

Tourists mimic a gesture of Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui during the recent “golden week” holiday in mainland China. Photo: Jelly Tse

Runners at the finish line of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2024 in Victoria Park, Causeway Bay. Photo: May Tse

Fans enjoy the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2024 at Hong Kong Stadium. Photo: Elson Li

Participants takes part in the 2023 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races on Victoria Harbour. Future “mega events” could be focused on the harbour. Photo: Sam Tsang

Part of the elaborate recreation of Kowloon Walled City for the recent movie sensation Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. Photo: Media Asia Film Distribution

(From left) German Cheung, Terrance Lau and Tony Wu in a still from Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. Photo: Media Asia Film Distribution

As it tries to improve its image overseas, Hong Kong could change its stance on diversity and inclusion to bring it into line with the modern world. This would benefit the city in many ways. Photo: AFP 

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan recently addressed the grievances of local retailers and restaurants about residents crossing the border in pursuit of more affordable options. Above: Hongkongers shopping in Shenzhen, China. Photo: Eugene Lee

Transgender activist Henry Edward Tse collects his new HKID card at Immigration Tower in Wan Chai. Tse said he could finally live a normal life after changing the gender on his identity card from female to male following a seven-year legal battle. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong should follow Amsterdam’s inclusive culture, maybe without the promotion of adult services and the city’s Red Light District. Photo: Getty Images

LGBT supporters in Hong Kong celebrated when Taiwan’s legislature voted to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019. Photo: Dickson Lee

Hong Kong needs to do better to improve its overseas reputation and allure. Tourists take pictures at Golden Bauhinia Square, in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, on May 2, 2024, during the Golden Week holiday. Photo: Elson Li

A canal for redeveloped Flower Market in Hong Kong? They may work in Amsterdam, but this is a vibrant Chinese community. Respect its heritage

An artist’s impression of the Flower Market and Sai Yee Street in Mong Kong after redeveopment. Image: URA

People crowd the Flower Market in Mong Kok to buy flowers ahead of Lunar New Year. The Urban Renewal Authority has revealed plans to radically transform the densely packed neighbourhood. Photo: Winson Wong

A shopper in the Flower Market in Mong Kok, which the Urban Renewal Authority plans to redevelop. Photo: Jonathan Wong

The redevelopment of Lee Tung Street, known as Wedding Card Street, in Wan Chai offers a cautionary tale. It sacrificed culture for commercialism. Photo: Nora Tam

An artist’s impression of the Flower Market and Sai Yee Street in Mong Kong after redevelopment. Image: URA

Customers inspect the wares at the Flower Market in Mong Kok. Photo: Nora Tam

Urban Renewal Authority managers present its plans to transform the area around the Flower Market in Mong Kok. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Why Hongkongers shouldn’t criticise Anya Hindmarch’s Chubby Hearts project; they may not be high art, but that’s not the point

The Chubby Hearts art project was started in the UK by designer Anya Hindmarch. The Hong Kong edition drew criticism, but it has brought joy and laughter to the city, and we need more projects like it, Luisa Tam says. Photo: Dickson Lee

Katie and Patrick Wong celebrate Valentine’s Day in front of a Chubby Hearts balloon at the Belcher Bay promenade, Kennedy Town. Photo: Ambrose Li

British fashion designer Anya Hindmarch attends the opening ceremony of the Chubby Hearts Hong Kong art installation at Statue Square Gardens, in Central. Photo: Sam Tsang

A giant inflatable heart from Chubby Hearts Hong Kong in Wan Chai. Photo: Eugene Lee

One of the Chubby Hearts Hong Kong balloons in Sham Shui Po. Photo: Sam Tsang

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The recent Night Vibes campaign fizzled, but recent fun events drew tourists. Making Hong Kong a ‘de-stress economy’ could attract even more


Hong Kong has an identity crisis, and tourism initiatives such as the Night Vibes campaign haven’t worked. Fun events show promise, but what we really need is to pivot to being a ‘de-stress economy’.


Hong Kong tourism

Hong Kong economy

What to do in Hong Kong

Doraemon

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

Make Hong Kong a ‘de-stress economy’ and it could draw visitors and fresh talent

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}The recent Night Vibes campaign fizzled, but recent fun events drew tourists. Making Hong Kong a ‘de-stress economy’ could attract even more

The recent Night Vibes campaign fizzled, but recent fun events drew tourists. Making Hong Kong a ‘de-stress economy’ could attract even more