Hong Kong can be greater than sum of its sporting parts, events experts tell forum

Hong Kong has the potential to be greater than the sum of its sporting parts, a place that goes far beyond just providing stadiums where matches and concerts take place, the city’s first summit on the economic impact of world-class events has heard.

Speakers from across the world of sport, entertainment and business gathered at the Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel on Friday to discuss Hong Kong’s future as a hub that would continue to attract visitors from around the globe.

And connecting events from LIV Golf or the Jockey Club’s International Races to conferences and festivals highlighting the best of the city’s food, art and culture would be key to growing Hong Kong’s reputation worldwide, keynote speaker Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said.

Still, facilities were important too and the soon-to-be-finished Kai Tak Sports Park would be a “vibrant theatre”, an international spotlight and a popular destination for events, offering unparalleled experiences, Chan said.

The goal was to offer more diverse experiences by combining sports competitions with MICE events – meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions – and linking them to tourism offerings such as theme parks, restaurants and in-depth tours, so visitors had more reasons to visit Hong Kong, he told the audience.