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Vivian Au

Hong Kong should come up with a clear definition of a “mega-event” and improve infrastructure rather than adopt a more-the-merrier approach in holding activities that may not even draw tourists, the lawmaker for the culture and sports sector has said.
Authorities earlier said the city would host more than 210 mega-events this year, including artistic and creative activities, sports competitions, large-scale conferences, trade shows and financial summits.
They said the events were expected to bring in about 1.7 million travellers and contribute HK$4.3 billion (US$551 million) to the local economy.
But Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, who represents the sports, performing arts, culture and publication sector in the legislature, said on Wednesday that most of the events were regional or district activities rather than top-tier ones.
“Are these events on the list really considered mega or hallmark?” he said.
“Can some of these events, such as Mid-Autumn lantern carnivals, really attract tourists to Hong Kong?”

Fok said the government’s definition and position on mega-events remained unclear.
He urged the government to be farsighted and come up with a blueprint on how to develop Hong Kong’s mega-event economy.
“[The government] needs to be very clear on what we are chasing,” he said, adding that it was not “the more events there are, the better it becomes”.
He added that facilities were also not suitable to host mega-events, saying some were outdated and did not meet the standards for hosting international competitions.
Venues such as City Hall, which was built in the 1960s, had also deteriorated with water seepage issues, he said, adding there was also a lack of flexibility in renting facilities run by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
He called on the government to upgrade the facilities and focus on hosting more “high-value events”.
Michael Cheng Ming-git, president of the Hong Kong China Tennis Association, said that they had applied for the “M” Mark status for a tournament, which would make it eligible for government funding.
“But the progress is so slow,” he said, adding that officials were still reviewing the application it filed in April.
Cheng added that the city had the potential to host various series of international tournaments and hoped the government could improve the standard of venues.
Chung Chi-lok, chairman of the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, echoed these remarks as he called on authorities to provide more resources for hosting water sports events.
A spokesman for the government said it would assess the mega-events calendar based on three factors including its appeal to tourists, its potential to enhance the image of Hong Kong and the city’s strategic position.
He added that the government would enhance communication between departments, including assisting organisers of mega-events, to seek suitable venues.
The city will have hosted 21 sports events with “M” Mark status in 2024, including the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon and World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships.


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Lawmaker Kenneth Fok says most of the city’s mega-events are regional or district activities rather than top-tier ones


Lawmaker Kenneth Fok says most of the city’s mega-events are regional or district activities rather than top-tier ones.
