Hong Kong’s financial secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po, says mega-events in the first half of the year attract visitors and generate substantial spending. Chan reports that about 1.75 million visitors come to the city through more than 130 events from January to June, resulting in around HK$5.8 billion in visitor spending, with average spend of HK$3,314 per traveller. He also says the events contribute about HK$3.3 billion in economic value added.
Looking ahead, Chan also discusses expectations for the second half of the year. According to an Xinhua report cited by hongkongnews.net, more than 100 mega events planned for July to December are expected to draw over 1.85 million visitors. The outlet adds that events such as the Hong Kong Cyclothon and the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival could generate total sales value of HK$5.9 billion.
Overall, both accounts describe the same senior official presenting event-driven tourism and spending figures, with the first half focusing on realised outcomes and the second half outlining projections and additional examples of planned events.
