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Jess Ma

Hong Kong’s finance minister has said the soon-to-be-opened Kai Tak Sports Park should be more than just a “collection of facilities” and serve as a vibrant cultural “theatre” that connects people and creates opportunities.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po delivered a keynote address at the South China Morning Post’s Hong Kong Sports Economy and Tourism Summit on Friday, saying sporting events could be linked with other large-scale conventions and tourism attractions to entice visitors.
“We envision this new landmark to become an international spotlight and a popular destination for events, offering unparalleled experiences,” Chan said.
Hong Kong is set to open its long-awaited Kai Tak Sports Park next year, with the Post confirming that British rock band Coldplay will be the first act to take the stage at the venue.
Chan said the key to becoming a popular events destination lay in the content of programmes, emphasising they must cater to the interests of both residents and international visitors.

“Effective marketing of these events is also crucial for attracting participation. When people flock to events, businesses will naturally follow,” Chan said.
The finance chief pointed out that the goal was to offer more diverse experiences by combining sports competitions with MICE events – meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions – and linking them to tourism offerings such as theme parks, restaurants and in-depth tours, so visitors had more reasons to visit Hong Kong.
Chan cited the example of the Global Financial Leaders Investment Summit, when many attending finance leaders remained in Hong Kong after the event last November to catch the Rugby Sevens tournament.
He also reminded the audience of the central government’s 14th Five-Year Tourism Development Plan, saying the country fully recognised the potential of sports as part of the development model for cultural tourism.
Chan spoke of a two-way street of “shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism”, adding that the “same principle will apply to sports, where we will be able to shape tourism with sports”.


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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park a cultural asset for promoting tourism: Paul Chan

Financial Secretary Paul Chan delivers a keynote speech at the Hong Kong Sports Economy and Tourism Summit held at the Fullerton Hotel Ocean Park in Aberdeen. Photo: Eugene Lee

British rock band Coldplay will be the first act to perform at the 50,000-seat mega stadium at Kai Tak Sports Park when it opens early next year. Photo: Dickson Lee

As Coldplay’s return to Hong Kong sparks joy, the Post looks at past visits by global stars

Coldplay is tipped to perform in Hong Kong early next year. Photo: Facebook/Coldplay

Hong Kong hosted numerous concerts in 2018 that featured big names such as Bruno Mars, John Legend, Katy Perry, Guns N’ Roses (pictured) and The Script. Photo: Kennevia Photography

Lady Gaga’s arrival in Hong Kong saw ticket sell out fast for her four shows. Photo: SCMP

Madonna’s stop-off in Hong Kong saw fans from the mainland coming to see her perform. Photo: Handout

After Coldplay, Hong Kong should woo other big acts like Oasis, Eason Chan for stadium launch

A mural depicting the Gallagher brothers of Oasis at a pub in Manchester, England. The band split in 2009 but recently reunited for a UK tour. Photos: AFP.

Coldplay performing at a concert earlier this year. The band’s six shows in Singapore in January generated significant tourist receipts for the city state. Photo: EPA-EFE

News

Hong Kong

Speaking at South China Morning Post summit on Friday, finance chief says sports should combine with business events to promote Hong Kong tourism.
