Hong Kong visitors spent HK$5.8 billion (US$739 million) during major events in the first half of the year, averaging HK$3,314 per traveller, the city’s finance chief said.
In his weekly blog on Sunday, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said about 1.75 million visitors were drawn to the city’s more than 130 events between January and June, generating around HK$5.8 billion in spending and contributing HK$3.3 billion in economic value added.
“Art, cultural and mega-events have lifted the overall atmosphere and driven consumer demand, as reflected in the data: total retail sales value has risen for 14 consecutive months, up 9.6 per cent in the first half of the year,” he said.
Highlights included the Hong Kong Football Festival and the Audi Football Summit, held shortly after the Fifa World Cup.
Chan said the three matches combined attracted more than 120,000 visitors and generated over HK$180 million in ticket sales.
He added that more than 100 events are scheduled for the second half of the year, including the Food Expo, National Day fireworks, the Hong Kong Cyclothon and the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival.