Budget 2025: Paul Chan eyes Kai Tak Sports Park to spur tourism

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po proposed in today’s budget speech that has his eyes on Kai Tak Sports Park to spur the tourism industry.

“The Government has been supporting the staging of major international sports events in Hong Kong through "M" Mark System. We will adopt a more strategic approach in continuously attracting sports events which can bring significant economic benefits to Hong Kong, and are in discussion with LIV Golf which has been held in Hong Kong for two consecutive years to explore long-term partnership,” he told the Legislative Council this morning.

Following the completion of five tests on the venue, including the ticketing system and crowd management, the park is set to officially open  in three days. 

“The park will provide a world class venue for hosting international mega events, taking forward the development of culture, sports and tourism as an industry in Hong Kong,” said Chan.

In 2024, 4.5 million visitors came to Hong Kong, an increase of 32.35% from 2023, according to the government figures.

“Modern culture, such as sports events and concerts, are important elements in driving tourism today,” said Ervi Liusman, Senior Lecturer of Hotel and Tourism Management at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

The Kai Tak Sports Park has 50,000 seats, which is about four times more than that of the AsiaWorld-Expo.

“Some international singers who want to hold concerts in Hong Kong gave up their bids due to venue size restrictions,” Liusman said. “But Kai Tak Sports Park offers a lot more space.”

The park is the only venue in Hong Kong that meets the requirements of multiple international events, which can host sports and cultural activities under any weather conditions.

Up till now, the park has contacted over 200 local and overseas sports and non-sports event organisers.  About 50 companies and organizations have expressed interest in renting the Kai Tak Sports Park, according to government figures.

Serry Zhang, a 35-year-old designer from the mainland, came to Hong Kong to watch Keshi’s concert and spent three days in the city.

 “As long as I am free, I will go wherever my favourite singer has a show and travel there,” Zhang said. “Compared to foreign countries, traveling to Hong Kong is more convenient, so I am more willing to come to Hong Kong to watch the concert.”

The geographical location is also an advantage for Hong Kong to attract people to come and enjoy the events. More than half of the world's population can fly to Hong Kong within five hours, according to government figures.

Zheng Haoyue, 21, university student, went to AsiaWorld-Expo to watch a concert in January.

“It took me three hours to get on the MTR after it was over, and it was already the next day in the morning when I got back to my hotel,” she said.

Liusman is worried about  overcrowding at Kai Tak Sports Park.

“I am glad that the government is making efforts to solve these problems and have been conducting continuous tests to ensure every event goes smoothly,” added Liusman.