Horse racing fans from around the world descended on Happy Valley on Wednesday for the traditional start of the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) week, with officials predicting an HK$35 million boost to the economy.
More than 20,000 spectators packed into the Causeway Bay venue, the Hong Kong Jockey Club said, with betting turnover for the evening exceeding HK$1.34 billion.
The week-long series has attracted 1,400 overseas visitors from Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and various Asian countries on racing tours – an increase of 130 per cent over last year.
Advertisement
Excluding tour fees, airfares and hotels, these visitors were expected to generate around HK$35 million in shopping and dining spending for the city, the club calculated.
“They’re definitely here for the punt and hopefully to win some cash back,” Eliza O’Sullivan, head of World Racing Tours, said.
Her clients include retirees, business travellers, horse owners and trainers.