Kevin Yeung says money doesn’t necessarily bring mega events to Hong Kong

Tourism minister Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said Hong Kong will strive to get more mega events to set foot in the SAR and pointed out that there are various considerations being made other than just the number of tourists and their spending. 

Speaking on a radio program on Saturday, Yeung said the city should strategize in the long run when holding mega events, such as can the events play to Hong Kong’s advantages, enhance its international image and its reputation as an events capital, and lure overseas investors to come. 

When asked about Singapore inviting US pop icon Taylor Swift to the stage and benefiting from massive economic impact, Yeung said he was all for the Lion City’s success. 

Yet, when asked if Hong Kong would pay a fortune to invite top performers to come, he said: “It’s not that I can nab [the performer] by paying an extra dollar. Every region has its own considerations.” 

For the organizers, they have to take in account the audience and the market, apart from the ticket sale, the local government subsidy, and sponsorships, Yeung said. 

He continued that Hong Kong has a number of quality singers and tickets to their concerts are always sold out, adding that the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom is booked-out already. 

He stressed that concerts are only one type of mega event and Hong Kong has the capabilities to organize so much more. 

The tourism chief noted that the government is now working on a full list of mega events and wishes to release it as soon as possible, so that the tourism and catering sectors can prepare in advance.