Hong Kong’s mega-event economy has gained significant momentum, with the city becoming a popular choice for visitors from the Chinese mainland and across Asia chasing sports events and seeking entertainment. Statistical data reveal that in 2025, Hong Kong welcomed 49.9 million visitors, marking a 12 percent increase compared to 2024. Of these, mainland visitors accounted for 76 percent, with the remaining 24 percent being overseas visitors — up from around 20 percent in previous years. These figures show that Hong Kong’s global appeal is steadily growing, driven by a spectacular array of mega events held in the city, reinforcing its growing charm as the “capital of events”.

Looking at 2025’s mega events, the Kai Tak Sports Park stands out as a pivotal player. Since its opening in March last year, the park has hosted over 40 international and local events comprising 90 event days, receiving over 7 million spectators and tourists in total. As a world-class sporting facility, the park has significantly upgraded the “hard infrastructure” for hosting mega events in Hong Kong, substantially enhancing spectators’ experience.

Thanks to the arduous efforts of the current-term government, the negative impact of the 2019 social unrest on Hong Kong’s image has gradually dissipated, with confidence in the city’s culture and tourism sectors returning. Commendable though these achievements are, there is still room for improvement in the city’s endeavor to strengthen the mega-event economy.

For instance, aside from “hard infrastructure”, “soft infrastructure” is equally crucial to success in developing the mega-event economy. The next step must involve the continued optimization of both.

Regarding “hard infrastructure”, significant room for improvement remains. Taking the recent marathon as an example, a record-breaking 120,000 runners registered, with nonlocal participants accounting for 25 percent — the highest ever. This demonstrates the event’s immense appeal. However, because of limited space on the roads designated for the event, over 40,000 applicants were ultimately unable to participate in the race. Furthermore, Hong Kong faces a shortage of tennis courts and water sports venues, as well as a strain on transportation and accommodation capacity during major events. These issues require swift and effective resolution.

In terms of “soft infrastructure”, there are also deficiencies. Again, taking the marathon event as an example, out of the 74,000 participants, over 1,500 suffered injuries. Although most were minor, the sheer number reflects a need to improve event organization and on-site services. Taking a broader view, Hong Kong must also continuously improve its overall capacity to support and service mega events.

For Hong Kong, a dual strategy is essential: Attract more visitors with mega events and encourage longer stays by offering them exciting experiences, while effectively converting foot traffic into commerce to benefit businesses. The key to this conversion lies in a “mega-events plus” strategy, which requires breakthroughs in at least three areas

A multipronged approach is essential to elevate the whole of Hong Kong’s infrastructure to world-class standards. Only then can we enhance the experience for domestic and international visitors and participants, boosting the city’s status as a center for major international cultural and sports events.

As a flagship city event with high accessibility and wide-ranging ripple effects, a marathon generates immense comprehensive benefits. First, it drives direct consumption, including registration fees, expenditures on transportation, accommodations, dining, shopping, and sightseeing. Second, it stimulates indirect consumption, such as on sports equipment, training, medical services, insurance, and advertising. And supporting operational costs — such as security, traffic management, and municipal services during the event — translate into revenue for related sectors. Furthermore, the event enhances the city’s image, attracting subsequent tourism, investment, and talent. This builds cumulative momentum, creating a sustained economic driver.

The Tokyo Marathon, one of the World Marathon Majors, serves as a pertinent example. Last year, it attracted approximately 38,000 participants, 48 percent of whom were overseas runners, generating an economic impact of 78.7 billion yen ($498 million) for Japan.

Large-scale cultural and sports activities act as a powerful magnet for visitors. For Hong Kong, a dual strategy is essential: Attract more visitors with mega events and encourage longer stays by offering them exciting experiences, while effectively converting foot traffic into commerce to benefit businesses. The key to this conversion lies in a “mega-events plus” strategy, which requires breakthroughs in at least three areas.

First, “mega events plus in-depth tourism”. Last year, overnight mainland visitors’ spending increased year-on-year, while shopping expenditure declined. This shift highlights a growing preference for immersive experiences. Hong Kong should create more scenarios to offer visitors diverse immersive experiences for them to stay longer.

Second, “mega events plus unique cuisine”. As a melting pot of Chinese and Western cultures, Hong Kong’s culinary richness is captivating. Distinctive dining experiences should be amply and meticulously integrated into major events. By painstakingly and skillfully articulating the stories associated with local delicacies to highlight their cultural features, the city can leave a deeper impression on visitors.

Third, “mega events plus city images”. Every major event should be leveraged to showcase Hong Kong’s diverse images. For instance, cultural and sports activities should also serve as platforms to showcase Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, trade, and shipping center, a city with the world’s highest density of top-100 universities, and a free port.

Last year, the 15th National Games, jointly hosted by Guangdong province, Hong Kong, and Macao for the first time, achieved widely recognized success. The event brought substantial visitor flows to Hong Kong and boosted local consumption. Most importantly, it demonstrated Hong Kong’s capability to cohost large-scale cultural and sports events with the mainland and Macao, working together to “grow the pie”. Such collaboration need not be limited to sports, as the three regions can jointly tap into the international tourism market, for instance, leveraging Hong Kong’s strength as an international aviation hub to promote multidestination itineraries that cover the three regions.

Amid evolving international and domestic market conditions, Hong Kong must not only host more mega events but ensure they are of high quality and economically beneficial. By tapping into their biggest potential, the city can maximize the benefit of each event, significantly expanding the mega-event economy.

The author is vice-chairman of the Committee on Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and chairman of the Hong Kong New Era Development Thinktank.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.