Hong Kong must up its game on ‘mega events’, sports sector lawmaker says

Hong Kong should come up with a clear definition of a “mega event” and improve infrastructure rather than adopt a more-the-merrier approach in holding activities that may not even draw tourists, the lawmaker for the culture and sports sector has said.

Authorities earlier said the city would host more than 210 mega events this year, including artistic and creative activities, sports competitions, large-scale conferences, trade shows and financial summits.

They said the events were expected to bring in about 1.7 million travellers and contribute HK$4.3 billion (US$551 million) to the local economy.

But Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, who represents the sports, performing arts, culture and publication sector in the legislature, said on Wednesday that most of the events were regional or district activities rather than top-tier ones.

“Are these events on the list really considered mega or hallmark?” he said.