Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal expressed satisfaction with Hong Kong’s hosting of the Saudi Super Cup, according to Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui.
In a social media post on Saturday, the tourism chief stated that Al-Misehal is considering holding the event in Hong Kong again in the future.
A series of football events held in the city has attracted more than 250,000 fans since Manchester United’s visit in May, Law said.
She emphasized that, despite unsettled weather throughout the month, Hong Kong recorded over 200,000 and 210,000 mainland tourist visits on August 9 and 16, respectively — setting new single-day records since February 2023, excluding Golden Week periods.
This past Tuesday (August 19) featured a variety of major events, including the Saudi Super Cup, GEM concerts, and the musical The Impossible Trial, which together drew nearly 100,000 attendees, about half of whom were visitors.
Approximately 60 percent of the 40,000 attendees at the GEM concerts were mainland visitors, many of whom are believed to have stayed in Hong Kong for several days to take part in other activities, as indicated by reduced demand for cross-boundary transportation.
Law also highlighted that cultural and sports events have provided a significant boost to the retail and food and beverage sectors.
The operator of Kai Tak Sports Park reported that nearly 30 percent of its eateries extended their business hours until midnight during concert periods, while retail sales within the complex increased by more than 20 percent last month compared to its initial opening period in March.
A number of upcoming events were also highlighted, including the National Games scheduled for the end of the year, as well as concerts by various Asian and local bands and singers at Kai Tak Sports Park.
