New light shows must attract business, not just spectators: tourism sector
New light shows replacing Hong Kong’s long-running “A Symphony of Lights” should help nearby shops and restaurants attract business, rather than simply drawing spectators who leave after the performance, tourism representatives have said. Lawmaker Perry Yiu Pak-leung and tourism union adviser Leung Fong-yuen on Wednesday backed experimenting with new formats as the nightly Victoria Harbour…
Hong Kong's new light shows aim to attract business instead of just spectators, according to tourism representatives. Lawmaker Perry Yiu Pak-leung and tourism union adviser Leung Fong-yuen said the nightly Victoria Harbour attraction, "A Symphony of Lights," should evolve to boost the local economy. Leung warned that without additional economic benefits, the show's significance would be minimal.
The Tourism Board announced the show's final performance on November 18, with special pyrotechnic effects and seasonal light displays taking its place. Leung, a union adviser, noted that non-daily shows would be harder for travel agencies to incorporate into itineraries. However, she supported experimenting with events tied to festivals, given that more travelers are going independently or in smaller groups.
Yiu suggested seasonal themes to keep displays fresh and staging events in various neighborhoods to support local businesses. He also proposed directing resources towards quieter commercial areas, like Tsim Sha Tsui East and the Urban Council Centenary Garden, to revive nighttime spending. The WinterFest, which opens next Wednesday and runs until January 5, will include a train-themed light show, festive projections on landmarks, and outdoor markets in different regions.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
