Gay Games organisers confident registrations at event in HK will surge

Organisers of the Gay Games are confident that more people will take part in this year’s event, which will be co-hosted by Hong Kong and Mexican city Guadalajara from 3 to 11 November 2023, as the city has further eased its covid restrictions.

In a conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, David Ko, director of marketing and communications for the event said he expected registrations at the event to surge once Hong Kong is completely and unconditionally open to visitors. "To strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a truly global city that lives up to the scale and importance of an event like the Games, we need to lead the way with science-based policies that tell the world we are open for business and fun. This means lifting the mask mandate immediately, an area where we lag behind even the mainland and Macau," he added. 

Ko also confirmed that 90% of the venues had been secured, including Queen Elizabeth Stadium. Ko revealed that more than 60% of Gay Games participants were from outside the host city, and he was optimistic about luring people from Asia to join the event in Hong Kong. "In our promotional activities overseas the free flights resonate with people everywhere. Our critical next step is to follow through and make it frictionless for Hong Kong fans to visit our city," Ko added.

Meanwhile,  Lisa Lam, co-chair and general counsel of 2023 Games told SCMP that with Hong Kong’s border opening up and the distribution of free air tickets from Hong Kong government as part of the “Hello Hong Kong” campaign, it is a better time to start pushing the Gay Games 2023.

Lam said that the numbers of signing up were lower than previous competitions as Hong Kong still had quarantine requirements for arrivals at that time. With the city dropping most of its COVID restrictions in December last year, she was confident, that more people would sign up in the coming months. 

Don't miss: Gay Games Hong Kong names RFI Asia as official marketing and PR agency

Gay Games 11 Hong Kong will take place from November 3 to 11, 2023. Under the theme “Unity in Diversity”, the Games will feature a wide variety of sporting events, opening and closing ceremonies, arts and culture events, as well as a festival village. The tournament in Hong Kong will have 22 sporting events and various arts and cultural activities with 7,000 participants. Supporting organisations include the Equal Opportunities Commission, InvestHK, BrandHK and the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Platinum sponsors are Marriott Bonvoy and YouTube.

Back in October last year, Gay Games Hong Kong has appointed Ruder Finn Interactive (RFI) Asia, the branding and digital arm of global communications consultancy Ruder Finn, as its official marketing and public relations partner for Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2023 (GGHK). RFI Asia will oversee all aspects of communications for the GGHK, including branding, social media, internal communications and media relations.

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