Not enough spark coming from another 'vibes' plan

Yau Tsim Mong district councillors are discussing organizing "Night Vibes Tsim Sha Tsui" during the Lunar New Year holiday with light decorations that include neon lights and a glow-in-the-dark wishing tree.

But some scholars were quick to pour cold water on the idea, saying such activities in different districts might not have much effect in boosting the area's economy.

The Yau Tsim Mong District Office of the Home Affairs Department in a document proposed to host night activities by the Lunar New Year and set up photo-taking spots along the Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard in Tsim Sha Tsui.

"We will also consider setting up a glow-in-the-dark wishing tree there so that people can hang up their wishes," it said.

The office said it will also host street musical performances, while merchants will distribute consumption vouchers and snacks to customers.

It also proposed setting up a large heart-shaped balloon installation on the street during Valentine's Day, February 14, to attract visitors.

To stimulate long-term consumption, the office proposed to host more themed markets and activities in the district.

Economist Simon Lee Siu-po from Chinese University said hosting the same type of activities and setting up photo-taking spots in different districts cannot attract tourists to stay overnight in Hong Kong.

Lee said local districts may not have sufficient resources to support large-scale events, adding authorities must attach importance to details of events. Otherwise, he added, flawed activities will undermine citizen and tourist confidence in the city.

Kenneth Kwong Ka-kei, an assistant professor at Hang Seng University's Department of Marketing, emphasized that hosting similar events in all 18 districts may cause an overlap in resource allocation.

There may not be sufficient consumption power and demands for events hosted in different districts at the same time, Kwong added.

Yau Tsim Mong district councillor Chris Ip Ngo-tung said he welcomes the proposal of setting up a glow-in-the-dark wishing tree as long as it is attractive to tourists and residents.

Ip also said he hopes to introduce unique economic activities that highlight the characteristics of the district, including historical and cultural tours to Blackhead Point in Tsim Sha Tsui and landmarks on Shanghai Street in Mong Kok.

The district can also cooperate with restaurants and large shopping malls to boost consumption in the district, he said, adding authorities can make the night market on Temple Street regular.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com