Mega-events drive HK$5.8 billion spending in first half of year, Paul Chan says

Visitors to major events in Hong Kong have spent HK$5.8 billion (US$739 million) during in the first half of the year, averaging HK$3,314 per head, the city’s finance chief has said.In his weekly blog on Sunday, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said about 1.75 million visitors were drawn to more than 130 events between January and June, generating around HK$5.8 billion in spending and contributing HK$3.3 billion to the economy.“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.He said major events continued to drive visitor traffic, highlighting the Hong Kong Football Festival and the Audi Football Summit, held shortly after the Fifa World Cup.Chan said the three matches at the two events attracted more than 120,000 visitors and generated over HK$180 million in ticket sales.Paul Chan says events during the second half of the year are expected to draw more than 1.85 million visitors. Photo: Nora TamHe 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.