Rosanna Law refutes lawmaker's critique of HK Coliseum usage

The newly appointed tourism chief, alongside the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), asserted that the Hong Kong Coliseum has achieved "100 percent usage" in response to a lawmaker questioned the government's willingness to keep the venue unoccupied instead of considering applications from performers.

Written in a social media post, lawmaker Adrian Pedro Ho King-hong expressed concern regarding the challenges that artists encounter in securing bookings at the Hong Kong Coliseum. He noted that, at times, the venue appears underutilized, with no events taking place.

He also called for greater transparency in the booking application process, especially considering that the Coliseum hosted only 311 events over the past three years, while 441 event requests were rejected.

In response to Ho's remarks, LCSD emphasized that the venue has achieved "100 percent usage" over the past three years and is currently occupied with preparation works and rehearsals for singer Andy Lau Tak-wah's concert on New Year's Eve.

The LCSD stated that the Coliseum is highly sought after by organizers of large-scale events, which is particularly evident in the intense competition for New Year's Eve concerts. It added that local artists have held concerts at the venue for three consecutive years. 

Meanwhile, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui defended the LCSD's comments on social media, noting that extensive preparations are underway inside the Coliseum even if it may appear quiet. 

She also mentioned that the venue will become even busier, as several well-known artists are scheduled to perform there in the coming months.