How Hong Kong can host iconic sports events without copying others

Hong Kong’s allure goes beyond its status as an international financial centre, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity, East and West and urban and natural landscapes. To further invigorate its spirit and economy, the city aims to become an “events capital”, with sporting events poised to inject fresh vibrancy.

Developing Hong Kong’s sports event economy can yield significant economic benefits. The UN World Tourism Organization estimates that sports tourism accounts for about 10 per cent of global spending on tourism, with an anticipated annual growth rate exceeding 17 per cent from 2023 to 2030.

However, some neighbouring countries and regions have already earned strong reputations for hosting international sporting events by improving venue standards, cultivating sports talent and securing the necessary funding. Hong Kong faces challenges in these areas, and this is further complicated by a lack of usable land.