As Hong Kong strengthens its position within the sporting and entertainment schedules, it needs to be ready for the influx of visitors.
Whether rightly or wrongly, Hong Kong is frequently likened to Shanghai or Singapore in numerous comparisons.
In their efforts to attract international investment and skilled professionals, as well as host major concerts and events, these three locations view one another as rivals.
However, as competition has grown inevitable on the world scene recently, Hong Kong undoubtedly possesses distinct advantages and allure.
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There are worries that prominent artists like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga chose to skip Hong Kong and instead performed in Singapore and other locations.
In addition, Shanghai has planned at least 178 sports events and various attractions for this year as part of an economic recovery initiative akin to Hong Kong’s approach.
Last week, the major city hosted two performances by the celebrated American artist Mariah Carey, and it is set to host the acclaimed vocalist Katy Perry in November.
As numerous regions actively promote their own large-scale events, not moving forward equates to falling behind. Thus, Hong Kong is correct in organizing additional events to boost its economy and reinforce its position as the premier destination for such gatherings in Asia.
Clearly, no single city can dominate every aspect. Success involves much more than merely hosting isolated events.
Certainly, numerous elements are factored in when organizing a performance, whether it’s a special event or included in a global tour.
Hong Kong’s status as a global metropolis stems from its distinctive attributes and capabilities. Rather than striving for what others achieve, the city ought to focus on leveraging its own unique advantages and expertise.
Throughout the years, we have effectively hosted several key sporting events, such as the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament.
The distinction lies in the implementation of the “one country, two systems” framework. Despite periodic strains between mainland China and various nations, the city maintains an open invitation to leading international artists.
Many foreigners can enter without visas, ensuring our major events stay open to tourists from nearby and distant locations alike.
The launch of Kai Tak Sports Park aims to solidify our standing in the event circuit, drawing in major acts like the British rock band Coldplay, the South Korean girl group Blackpink, and various other top-tier artists from across the region.
However, there must also be a coordinated initiative to improve the local infrastructure and visitor capabilities.
Apparently, authorities did not fully anticipate the effect on border crossings the weekend before last when multiple popular concerts were held, leading to difficulties for large groups trying to return to the mainland past midnight.
We have faith that the government will take lessons from this and work towards enhancing the experiences for international music fans and travelers. This goes beyond just maintaining the reputation of the major events held in Hong Kong; it’s also crucial for preserving the city’s image as an welcoming destination for visitors.
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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which serves as the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
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