Financial Secretary Paul Chan revealed in his blog today (Aug. 9) that three football matches recently held at the Kai Tak Sports Park attracted a total of more than 120,000 spectators, with ticket revenue estimated to exceed HK$180 million. He also previewed that Hong Kong will host over 100 mega events in the second half of this year, expected to attract more than 1.85 million visitors and generate about HK$5.9 billion in consumption expenditure.
Mr Chan visited the Hong Kong Palace Museum last week to view the newly launched exhibition "Forbidden City: A View of the World" and purchased a large number of souvenirs, returning "fully loaded." He pointed out that cultural content anchors the foundation of value, industrial platforms determine the scale of value, and mega events stimulate the release of value — the three elements are closely interlinked, forming a thriving ecosystem that reinforces one another.
Mr Chan mentioned that the "Hong Kong Football Festival 2026" and the "Audi Summer Tour 2026" held recently at the Kai Tak Sports Park drew more than 120,000 spectators across the three matches, with ticket revenue estimated at over HK$180 million. Some restaurants near Kai Tak reported that business grew by about 20 per cent during the period, and many merchants launched ticket‑stub offers, dining discounts and free parking, each adopting creative strategies to expand business opportunities. The Hong Kong Tourism Board also led the industry to promote cross‑sector collaborations in multiple districts during various mega events to stimulate tourist spending.
Summing up the first half of this year, Mr Chan said that about 1.75 million visitors participated in more than 130 mega events, bringing about HK$5.8 billion in consumption expenditure to Hong Kong and generating an economic added value of approximately HK$3.3 billion. In addition, the city's total retail sales value has risen for 14 consecutive months, with a growth rate of 9.6 per cent in the first half of this year. Looking ahead to the second half, Mr Chan previewed that Hong Kong will host more than 100 mega events, including the Trade Development Council's Food Expo, the National Day fireworks display, the Hong Kong Cyclothon and the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, which are expected to attract over 1.85 million visitors and generate about HK$5.9 billion in consumption, with an economic added value of approximately HK$3.3 billion.
Furthermore, in October this year, Hong Kong will host the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting for the first time, bringing together key political and business leaders from the Asia‑Pacific region. Mr Chan said he would make good use of this opportunity to showcase Hong Kong as not only a premier international financial centre but also a vibrant events capital rich in culture, arts, sports and lifestyle experiences — a city that is ideal for living, working and visiting.
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