Rosanna Law: fees considered at West KLN for previously free events

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law reveals that Hong Kong is poised to see more spectacular New Year's Eve countdown celebrations this year as the city gears up for the 30th handover anniversary in 2027.

But some previously free activities at the West Kowloon Cultural District may begin charging admission to help improve financial sustainability.

Hong Kong welcomed about 4.46 million visitors in the past month, up 9 percent year-on-year.

However, the number of short-haul visitors fell by 6 percent.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law explains that May to August is traditionally the city's tourism off-season, with reduced flight capacity due to fuel prices among the factors affecting visitor arrivals.

She says a packed calendar of major events in the second half of the year would help Hong Kong achieve its target of attracting 53.8 million visitors in 2026.

Law says international sporting events like the football World Cup finals could influence travel patterns, noting that tourists may choose to visit World Cup host destinations or stay home to watch matches.

She says this year, the government will showcase Hong Kong at its most vibrant and colorful to usher in the 30th handover anniversary next year.

While visitor arrivals have increased, Law acknowledges that tourist spending remains below pre-pandemic levels, noting that Hong Kong must rely on creativity to buoy consumption.

She cites the Hong Kong Palace Museum as an example, saying Egyptian antiquities-related merchandise, including the popular "Pharaoh Cat" mascot, is expected to generate close to 30 million dollars in revenue.

However, the operating deficit at the West Kowloon Cultural District widened to about 770 million dollars in the last financial year.

Law says the increase was partly due to investments in new infrastructure projects.

She says arts and cultural institutions around the world rarely operate without government support but West Kowloon must rein in its staffing and operating costs.

She says the hub may consider charging for selected events that have previously been offered free of charge, including some concerts.

The government is also mulling plans to introduce market-oriented operations at selected Leisure and Cultural Services Department facilities.

Nine expressions of interest were received earlier for projects involving Butterfly Beach in Tuen Mun and Big Wave Bay Beach in the Southern District.