HK urged to develop 'concert economy' as shows generate HK$3.7bn

More than four million spectators attended 350 large-scale pop concerts in Hong Kong, generating HK$3.7 billion in spending over the past two years, said the city's tourism chief, adding that more events are in the pipeline with the opening of a new stadium.

In a written response regarding "concert economy" to lawmaker Chow Man Kong, Rosanna Law, secretary for culture, sports and tourism, said an average of about 15 large-scale pop concerts were held in Hong Kong each month from 2023 to 2024.

Some individual concerts, especially those involving non-local performers and support crew, can drive nearly a direct spending of over HK$100 million. With the completion and opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), Hong Kong will be able to host more large-scale and economically advantageous concerts, she added. 

“This positions Hong Kong as a premier destination for major pop concerts, in line with our objective of establishing the city as the ‘capital of pop culture’, as outlined in the ‘Blueprint for arts and culture and creative industries development (文藝創意產業發展藍圖),” Law said. 

Don’t miss: HK tourism chief vows to lure high-end tourists through cultural integration

When asked if KTSP would consider inviting influential singers from the Chinese community, such as the "Four heavenly kings" (四大天王)—Andy Lau, Jacky Cheung, Leon Lai, and Aaron Kwok—to perform at the opening ceremony for a grand debut and to raise KTSP's international profile, Law did not provide a direct response. Instead, she said KTSP plans to host an opening event in the first quarter of this year, featuring numerous local celebrities from the sports and entertainment sectors to perform and showcase KTSP to a global audience.

Law added that local and overseas event promotion agencies have a strong interest in hosting large-scale events at the KTSP. “The operator, the Kai Tak Sports Park, has so far made contact with over 200 local and international sports and non-sports events' promotion bodies, organisations and agencies, amongst which many of them have decided or planned to rent the different facilities at the KTSP for sports and entertainment activities.”

Regarding whether the government will implement measures to encourage concert organisers to partner with nearby shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels, Law said the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has created a dedicated webpage to offer detailed information about concerts at various venues, helping visitors plan their itineraries and explore different parts of the city while attending concerts.

"The government welcomes and is glad to see the organisers of pop concerts have been strengthening the cross-sector promotion and tourism products, creating comprehensive and immersive travel experiences for tourists," Law said. 

While pop concerts in Hong Kong are organised by private enterprises and operated on commercial principles, Law said the industries are proactively collaborating to create synergy.

"For instance, accommodation packages are offered for an international pop concert scheduled for this April at the KTSP, which have been very well-received. AsiaWorld-Expo has been collaborating with business partners in capitalising concert economy, including connecting concert organisers with nearby hotels and tourist attractions to assist them in launching concert-related promotions or bundle offerings. The WKCDA has also been encouraging concert organisers to collaborate with shopping malls, restaurants and hotels near the WKCD to offer special concessions to audiences."

Related articles:

HK tourism chief vows to lure high-end tourists through cultural integration
HK replaces Kevin Yeung as tourism chief
HK to review funding system for major sports events' approval, says HK's tourism chief