With the announcement this week by the Hong Kong government of the schedule for 106 upcoming mega events in the latter half of the year, one immediate observation is the attempt to cater to every possible interest simultaneously. The roster includes a diverse range of offerings: 42 exhibitions, 15 sports competitions, 25 cultural showcases, 11 festivals, and 13 events focusing on finance, technology, and innovation. The question arises: are we overdoing it? It’s a possibility.
But given that this is the inaugural year for such an extensive line-up, their true impact will only be known once they have been staged. One potential risk is the onset of “mega event fatigue” among both Hong Kong residents and visitors. Similar to a buffet experience, an excess of options can lead to overindulgence, which is not a good thing, as it could mean people do not fully appreciate each offering.
They might feel fatigue and discomfort and might not derive genuine enjoyment from the experiences. Like eating at fine-dining restaurants, a discerning and selective approach is essential to tourism. By emphasising a handful of stand-out “dishes” as our flagship mega events, while treating the remaining events as supplementary courses, desserts, or snacks for visitors to sample throughout the year, we can enhance our reputation and solidify our brand.
The emphasis should be on emulating these successes by creating additional stand-out events to raise Hong Kong’s status in the global arena.
