'HK to ensure it's an attractive event destination'

Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday said he is aware that Hong Kong is competing with other places when trying to host mega events, adding that authorities will work to ensure the city is an appealing destination for event organisers. Lee was responding to media reports that Singapore offered the American pop icon Taylor Swift millions of US dollars to have her sing in the city-state - and not anywhere else in Southeast Asia - during her recent world tour. "We'll strive to [host the mega events]. We know that we'll be competing with different cities, so we'll ensure that we're attractive and competitive enough... We'll work on that regard," he said. "But we have to ensure that public money is used properly, and that spending will generate sufficient returns and create real economic value." Meanwhile, the CE said that Hong Kong will host more than 300 exhibitions this year, including events that relocated from the SAR to places like Dubai and Singapore during the pandemic. He said authorities will continue to bring more large-scale events to the city, and called on businesses to do their part to translate them into economic benefits. "The government is like a director, and various sectors and people working in these sectors need to play their part well - by providing good service and experience to attract tourists to come here and spend money, so that they will return to Hong Kong, and say good things about the city to their family and friends."