Hong Kong’s inaugural hot air balloon festival continues to face intense public backlash, with consumer complaints surging to 331—totaling over HK$330,000 in losses—even after the organizer pledged full refunds for participants.
The event, marketed as a premium experience with tethered balloon flights overlooking Victoria Harbour, was forced to ground all passenger operations after failing to secure government approval due to safety risks observed during test demonstrations.
The AIA International Hot Air Balloon Fest (September 4–7) offered tickets priced up to HK$880 for sunset sessions and an additional HK$580 for tethered balloon rides, promising "breathtaking views" at 10–20 meters altitude.
However, on opening day, organizers announced that the Civil Aviation Department had only approved balloons for display purposes, citing "significant safety risks" observed during an August 20 test where one balloon tilted dangerously in windy conditions.
A second demonstration on August 21 failed to resolve these concerns, leaving insufficient time for passenger carriage approval.
Visitors expressed fury over the canceled rides, with many having paid thousands of dollars for family packages. One attendee, Ho, spent over HK$3,000 and lamented wasted time and travel costs.
The organizer, Grand Events Asia, initially refused refunds, offering only rescheduled entries and ice cream vouchers—a response widely condemned as a "public relations disaster.” This prompted a 450-member "victims’ group" to threaten legal action.
Under mounting pressure, Grand Events Asia reversed its stance on September 7, announcing full refunds for all tickets purchased through official platforms. However, handling fees remain non-refundable, and processing may take up to 30 days.
Despite this, complaints surged dramatically over the event’s run—from 28 totalling HK$40,118 on the first day to 331 by Tuesday—reflecting widespread public dissatisfaction.
The Consumer Council reported total losses amounting to HK$330,539, with the single largest claim reaching HK$10,000.
Grand Events Asia, a previously unknown company with no event-hosting track record, faces separate financial disputes—its directors are embroiled in a HK$1.52 million lawsuit with HSBC.
One of the directors was also involved in last year’s controversial football match, where superstar Lionel Messi was sidelined due to injury.
Commenting on the case, the government emphasizes that the event was purely commercial, though the Tourism Board initially promoted it. The Consumer Council, meanwhile, advises ticket holders to retain receipts for refund processing.
