Hong Kong considers “every city in Asia” a competitor when it comes to tourism development, a minister has said, adding the local government preferred a “quieter” approach in pitching and attracting mega-events compared with regional neighbours such as Singapore.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui told the Post in an exclusive interview earlier in the week that authorities were playing an active role in attracting mega-events.
While acknowledging that Singapore’s government might have a more visible approach in inviting big acts, she said Hong Kong officials such as herself also engaged in their own “pitching” and outreach, personally meeting with major concert organisers and sports event promoters to explore opportunities.
“It’s just that sometimes in Hong Kong, we do our bit quietly,” she said on Wednesday.
Singapore secured an exclusive contract with US singer Taylor Swift to play six concerts in the Lion City last year, and will host performances by another American star, Lady Gaga, in November.
Addressing the competitive landscape, Law said that “every city in Asia” was vying for attention, especially for overseas visitors coming through long-haul flights.
