Mega events: a balancing act for government and private sector

The government's policy address yesterday offers a glimpse of hope for a city eager to bounce back from recent challenges. However, the true measure of success will lie in the government's ability to balance its oversight role with the dynamism of private enterprise. For example, in the plan is a monthly show on Victoria Harbour that features fireworks and drones, which are wonderful, but already overdone elsewhere in the world. What if the government opened up the possibilities of this monthly harbourfront extravaganza by inviting ideas from the best creative minds in Hong Kong and the world?

Apart from creativity, another hurdle to overcome will be bureaucracy.

The Importance of the Private Sector

The government's focus on investing in mega events is a strategy designed to attract international visitors, and inject life into the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) sector of Hong Kong. However, it's important to recognize the role private event organisers have played in this arena in the past. Iconic events like the Rugby Sevens, Hong Kong Marathon, and Clockenflap, were all born from private initiatives. These events have been instrumental in establishing Hong Kong as a vibrant and diverse destination. Yet many organisers have bemoaned the bureaucracy and rigidity of the civil service.

Attracting a global audience, particularly from beyond mainland China, is not just about the scale of the event. It's about the cultural resonance and the freedoms that allow these events to thrive. Private organised mega events can steer clear of geopolitics, giving the organisers room to breathe and operate.

Reducing Bureaucracy

The first step for the Hong Kong government should be to minimize bureaucratic hurdles for event organizers. Simplifying the application process for permits, providing clear guidelines, and ensuring timely responses would go a long way in creating a friendly ecosystem for event planners. A streamlined, multi-departmental approach would signal to the world that Hong Kong is not only open for business but is also a place where creativity and organization can flourish without undue red tape.

Promoting Inclusion and Diversity

Hong Kong's reputation as a cosmopolitan and inclusive city should be reflected in its event calendar. The government can promote this by openly supporting events that celebrate diversity across arts, sports, and culture. This does not mean direct involvement in every event but rather offering a platform where such events can shine, sending a clear message that Hong Kong values and embraces different communities and experiences.

The strategy to attract visitors from mainland China may differ vastly from what is required to draw in Western tourists. The government should employ a dual strategy that respects and understands these differences. This might involve targeted marketing campaigns, partnerships with international brands, and working closely with event organizers who have a keen understanding of these distinct audiences. Overseas SAR offices play an essential coordination role on the ground.

Go Back to Basics

Hong Kong's local neighborhoods and rural areas are some of its most compelling attractions. The Tai Ping Shan district for example, is renowned for its tony coffee shops, art galleries and quirky boutiques. Hong Kong is also the trail running capital of Asia, featuring scenic trails and villages of the famous countryside that offer unique experiences. Promoting these areas not only supports local economies but also diversifies the tourism offerings beyond the typical urban experiences. There are countless more examples of the unique character of Hong Kong, branding and marketing them will be key success factors for a city eager to invite visitors back.

Overall I'm optimistic: the basics of what Hong Kong has to offer are fantastic, all it takes is collaboration from all stakeholders, working towards a unified goal.