LegCo Panel on Transport and Subcommittee on Policy Issues Relating to Strengthening and Promoting the Development of Kowloon East as the Second Central Business District conduct joint visit to MTR Kai Tak Station
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport and the Subcommittee on Policy Issues Relating to Strengthening and Promoting the Development of Kowloon East as the Second Central Business District conducted a joint visit to the MTR Kai Tak Station today (November 19) to learn about the crowd management measures and preparatory plans implemented in the station during large-scale events at the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP).
Members first went to the concourse of Kai Tak Station to receive a briefing from representatives of the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) on measures to cope with the large number of people dispersing from the event, including management of exits of the station, and the setting up of special signage to familiarise the public with the walking routes to and from the KTSP. Members were also briefed by representatives of theMTRCL on how crowd management measures and operational arrangements were planned according to the scale of testing events at theKTSP.
Members then turned to the platform of Kai Tak Station to understand the operational arrangements for managing large crowds dispersing from the venue after mega events. These measures include increasing train frequency, enhancing real-time train schedule information and arranging special spare trains as needed to increase carrying capacity.
During the visit, Members exchanged views with theMTRCL representatives on whether the passenger flow management measures and carrying capacity were sufficient to deal with the crowd which would actually appear, as well as the communication and co-ordination with government departments with a view to facilitating the smooth conduct of major events.
At the invitation of theMTRCL, Members who participated in the visit were the Chairman of Subcommittee, Mr Tang Ka-piu, Subcommittee member Mr Yiu Pak-leung, and the Panel members MrChau Siu-chung, Mr Gary Zhang, and Mr Yang Wing-kit, who is also a member of the Subcommittee.
LegCo Panel on Transport and Subcommittee on Policy Issues Relating to Strengthening and Promoting the Development of Kowloon East as the Second Central Business District conduct joint visit to MTR Kai Tak Station Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Panel on Transport and Subcommittee on Policy Issues Relating to Strengthening and Promoting the Development of Kowloon East as the Second Central Business District conduct joint visit to MTR Kai Tak Station Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Panel on Transport and Subcommittee on Policy Issues Relating to Strengthening and Promoting the Development of Kowloon East as the Second Central Business District conduct joint visit to MTR Kai Tak Station Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Government announces calendar of mega events in Hong Kong (first half of 2025)
The Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, together with the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, and the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Mr Dane Cheng, announced the calendar of mega events in Hong Kong for the first half of 2025 today (November 19).
Mr Wong said the Government will continue to take a proactive role in promoting and attracting different mega events to Hong Kong with an emphasis on quality and quantity. The calendar of mega events in Hong Kong for the first half of 2025 announced today includes information on 93 events that cover various areas. The Government strives for the early publication of the new calendar, with a view to allowing members of the public, tourists and related industries to learn about the mega events in Hong Kong, facilitating the early planning of visits to Hong Kong, or seizing business opportunities by designing and launching activities and products in collaboration with the mega events.
Mega events will contribute to economic benefits for Hong Kong. Based on the current data, it is estimated that approximately 840000 tourists would participate in the mega events in first half of 2025. Their spending is estimated to be about HK$3.3billion, bringing a value add of about HK$1.8billion to the Hong Kong economy.
Mr Yeung said that in addition to the integrated development of culture, sports and tourism, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) is also committed to promoting the development of industries in these three areas through mega events and assisting in driving a diversified economy. The CSTB aims to showcase Hong Kong's soft power and the charm of Hong Kong as an international metropolis to the world. So far in 2024, the CSTB has participated in and supported a number of culture, sports and tourism-related mega events by different means, including organisation of events by the CSTB and its departments and organisations, provision of financial support by various funding schemes of the CSTB, as well as co-ordination and facilitation of event arrangements. Looking ahead in the first half of 2025, Hong Kong will continue to welcome international and local mega events of culture, sports and tourism.
Mr Cheng said the Mega Events Development and Advancement Division (MEDA) of the HKTB actively serves as the first point of contact for event organisers. Since its formation in March 2024, MEDA has handled inquiries from close to 100 events. The HKTB also proactively reaches out to local, Mainland and international event organisers, as well as major music and entertainment brands, to introduce MEDA's work and available support with a view to bringing potential mega events to Hong Kong, further solidifying Hong Kong's reputation as the "Events Capital of Asia".
Regarding the updating of the calendar of mega events, at present the calendar, which covers the coming half year, is announced every half year. The CSTB will update the calendar of mega events more frequently by way of rolling updates, with a view to enabling the general public and tourists to access the latest information.
The calendar of mega events in Hong Kong (first half of 2025) is in the Annex. The public can also browse it through the website for Brand Hong Kong (www.brandhk.gov.hk).
Government announces calendar of mega events in Hong Kong (first half of 2025) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Government announces calendar of mega events in Hong Kong (first half of 2025) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
