Is Hong Kong’s transport network ready for Coldplay’s arrival? Lawmakers raise concerns

Legislators say tourism sector already coming up with holiday packages ahead of band’s arrival in April, but call for more transport options

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Coldplay has confirmed it will be coming to the city in April of next year. Photo: AFP

Published: 12:54pm, 20 Sep 2024Updated: 9:10pm, 20 Sep 2024

Hong Kong tourism veterans are already thinking up holiday packages to capitalise on Coldplay’s concert series early next year, lawmakers have said, while warning that the local transport network may not be up to the task of handling the anticipated crowds.

The British rock band said on Thursday that it would perform at the soon-to-open, 50,000-seat mega stadium at Kai Tak Sports Park on April 9, 11 and 12.

The announcement confirmed an earlier exclusive report by the Post, with the shows marking Coldplay’s first appearance in Hong Kong since 2009.

Tourism-sector lawmaker Perry Yiu Pak-leung said on Friday that some industry veterans were hoping to use the concerts to drum up business.

“The industry has always hoped that we can take sporting mega events, concerts or major cultural performances hosted in Hong Kong and add them into travel itineraries,” he told a radio programme.

“Some in the industry are also thinking of packages, which may include accommodation, special food and drink services, tickets to other attractions or even some in-depth tour itineraries to build up our mega-event economy.”