Govt fireworks display not a monthly event, to carry various themes

The government fireworks display is not a monthly event but will be complimented with festivities and certain themes, said Hong Kong Tourism Association executive director Timothy Chui Ting-pong.  

On a radio program on Tuesday, Chui said the city’s Tourism Board (HKTB) can hold a summer concert or a fireworks display and drone performance at the start or end of summer. 

The fireworks display will be held more than once a month, Chui said, adding that the performance will have a theme and will be small in scale according to his understanding. 

“It’s not that they will discharge the fireworks at 8 pm every Sunday night,” he said. 

Although many regions will have a fireworks display, Chui believes that tourists are keener to participate in activities that relate to local culture or engage with the city and the government aims to enhance these activities with the displays. 

Chui also disagreed that the authorities’ effort only boosts the number of tourists without generating higher revenue, despite a decline in tourists’ spending on average from HK$6,900 last year to HK$5,800 this year. 

He continued he can see a sea of tourists in Mong Kok, Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui when he goes out on Saturday with many of them shopping. 

He further explained that goods in Hong Kong are expensive, and he was already happy to see tourists shopping in the city. 

Chui also hopes Hong Kong can bring some more tourists to Xi’an in exchange for the expansion of the Individual Visit Scheme, saying it is impossible for the traveler flow to only be one-way. 

He believes many mainland cities wish to lure Hongkongers as well due to their high spending power and rich international traveling experiences, which can help mainland cities include more mature tourist facilities.