Hong Kong to entice bid spenders by turning LIV Golf into long-term fixture

Hong Kong seeks to attract more big spenders by turning global events, such as the LIV Golf tournament, into long-term fixtures and becoming a business travel destination, as part of efforts outlined in the latest budget to boost the economy amid spending cuts to combat a deficit.

A government insider said on Wednesday that the stop-off in Hong Kong by the professional men’s golf event for the first time last year had attracted about 40,000 spectators, including thousands of tourists who spent more than triple the average amount spent by regular visitors.

The event will return in March for the next leg of the tournament.

“They each spent, on average, about US$2,300 [HK$17,873] during their trips,” the source said.

“Typically, such dedicated golf fans don’t mind shelling out to see tournaments.”

Statistics from the Tourism Board showed the average overnight visitor in 2024 spent an estimated HK$5,490 per trip and stayed for 3.2 nights.