MOTION ON “EXPLORING THE REFORM OF MECHANISMS ON ALL FRONTS TO STRENGTHEN THE ROLE OF EVENTS CAPITAL”
Deputy President, Hong Kong has long been recognized as Asia’s world city and events capital. Our open, free and international status and geographical advantage of being located at the centre of Asia provide us with a unique ground and environment for the development of mega events, which can indeed drive the development of tourism, retail, catering and other industries.
The Government estimates that the more than 210 mega events this year will bring 1.7 million visitors and $7.2 billion in spending to Hong Kong, which will not only generate popularity but also wealth. I am grateful to Mr Kenneth FOK for proposing today’s motion, so that we can discuss how to reform and strengthen the construction of the events capital, thereby bringing the mega-event economy to the next level.
The Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development (“the Blueprint”) just announced by the Government has set out a clear vision, principles and strategic directions for the future development of Hong Kong’s arts, culture and creative industries, which is worthy of recognition. However, the authorities have to expeditiously implement the various measures and commit the relevant resources. The organization of more large-scale, diversified and innovative arts and cultural activities, which are indeed mega events, can serve as platforms for exchanges between China and the rest of the world. However, the organization of finance-related activities, including the annual Asian Financial Forum and the financial summits organized by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, is also very appealing to international guests and effective in promoting Hong Kong. Hence, mega events can indeed bring short-term economic benefits, but they must be transformed into long-term pillars of industrial development before they can produce tangible impacts. Further coordination and in-depth planning are needed in this regard.
In addition, financial support is the most important factor in enhancing the international appeal of Hong Kong’s mega events. Currently, many sporting events held in Hong Kong have gained a renowned reputation, and they are sponsored by well-established financial institutions and corporations, including the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, HSBC Hong Kong Sevens and the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open. In order to encourage more business corporations of different sizes to participate, the authorities should consider providing tax incentives for sponsorship of events with a cap (e.g. not more than $2 million), so that more corporations of different sizes can participate in sponsoring mega events.
In recent years, other regions have used mega events as an engine to drive their own economies. Last year, the Singaporean government secured the Southeast Asia exclusive hosting right of singer Taylor SWIFT’s concert in its country with a government subsidy of about HK$15.6 million. The concert has brought in about HK$2.9 billion in tourism revenue and realized considerable economic benefits. If Hong Kong is to excel in hosting such an event, we need to face up to the reality of regional competition. If we, as a single city, are not sufficiently attractive to the organizer, we can consider co-hosting or co-sponsoring a mega event with other cities in the Greater Bay Area (“GBA”). I believe this will greatly enhance our competitiveness in bidding the event.
The 15th National Games next year is a rare opportunity to build the “Watch the Games, Visit Hong Kong” brand. This cross-border mega event is of great reference value. The Blueprint also suggests cooperation with GBA cities. However, in jointly organizing large-scale events with Mainland cities, attention should be given to the division of labour and cooperation mechanism, and more specific guidelines in this regard are needed. The road cycling test event for the 15th National Games is a good example. The implementation of the “pre-event customs clearance + closed-loop management” mode, which features smart customs clearance of the cyclists, bicycles and personal belongings, makes it possible for “zero delay, zero contact and zero waiting”. This new operation mechanism will lay the foundation for convenient customs clearance for the future hosting of more frequent cross-border mega events.
In order to organize mega events, Hong Kong has to actively improve its software and hardware support. With the opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park next year and the Administration’s proposal to relax the restrictions on different venues to allow live performances in cinemas and the conversion of industrial buildings into small theatres, our shortcomings in hardware can be considerably made up. At the same time, we should enhance the quality of other services (e.g. catering and hospitality) to create a “hospitable city” atmosphere, so that visitors from all over the world can feel at home, thereby realizing the goal of “hosting good games to enhance a city”.
Deputy President, mega events will not only bring tourists to Hong Kong and stimulate spending but will also brighten Hong Kong’s image as an international metropolis and add impetus to Hong Kong’s economic development.
Therefore, I support Mr Kenneth FOK’s original motion and all the amendments.