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The government will continue to fight for mega events, including concerts, to come to Hong Kong and at the same time ensure the amount of public funding spent on organizing these activities is worth every dollar, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said.
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This came after Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed that Singapore offered American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift as much as US$3 million (HK$23.4 million) per show to make the Lion City the only Southeast Asian stop for the pop star’s latest The Eras Tour.
Speaking before Tuesday’s Executive Council meeting, Lee didn’t respond directly when asked if Hong Kong would do the same as well.
Lee said he understands that every city will strive to hold large-scale concerts because of its very positive economic impact. He also believes that Hong Kong’s attractiveness and competitiveness will enhance if its bid succeeds.
Lee stressed that Hong Kong has to work harder as other cities are improving and becoming more attractive.
Yet, the government has to ensure that the public funding spent can bring back sufficient rewards and create economic value, Lee also said.
He pointed out that some of the activities that had ceased during the Covid era will soon return to the SAR, including the Asia Pacific Leather Fair 2024, while the world’s largest K-pop cultural event KCON 2024 will be introduced in the city for the first time ever.
Lee added that while the government plays the role of producer and director in reviving the economy, business sectors have to play their roles in offering quality services and experiences to attract tourists to stay and spend money in Hong Kong.
Lee also said it was normal that the number of outbound citizens exceeded that of inbound tourists during the Lunar New Year holidays and noted that the ratio was about 1.5 – 2.5 to 1.
He explained that some Hongkongers traveled overseas in “revenge style” after the border reopened early last year and the city’s fusion into the Greater Bay Area has seen more frequent commutes among locals and mainlanders.
