The 2026 Hong Kong Sevens -- the city’s iconic rugby tournament -- has grown into one of the most popular and lucrative local sporting events that’s expected to inject more than $100 million into the local economy.

Overseas visitors poured in for the three-day tournament from Friday to Sunday, boosting spending on accommodation, dining, retail and in other business sectors -- the latest demonstration of strength in Hong Kong’s thrilling sports economy.

“We sold more than 132,500 tickets,” said Chris Brooke, chairman of Hong Kong China Rugby, estimating that visitors from abroad accounted for at least 30 percent of the total, with particularly strong demand from Australia and New Zealand this year.

All the tickets had been sold out before opening day, with premium packages proving particularly popular.

The Hong Kong Sevens was first staged in 1976 and has become one of the most iconic events on the World Rugby Sevens Series. Last year, the tournament moved to its new home at Kai Tak Stadium, Kowloon, where it’s celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

“It's very hard to replicate that in other cities,” said Brooke. He pointed out that few cities worldwide offer the unique blend of sport, entertainment, hospitality and business, combined with a long history of rugby.

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The event has generated significant economic benefits for the special administrative region. According to the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, last year’s event raked in more than $97 million, boosting business turnover in Kowloon City by 15 percent, and raising revenue in Central’s Lan Kwai Fong entertainment district by more than 10 percent.

“I think if you take into account local consumption plus, obviously, the hotels and travel for international inbound tourists, I would expect at least $100 million and possibly more,” Brooke said.

Organizers are working to transform the tournament into a week-long celebration. Beside the Sevens, they've teamed up with the Hong Kong Jockey Club to stage horse racing, wheelchair rugby and other events.

“We’re just trying to expand into a broader rugby festival so we can continue to ensure that people are attracted to come to Hong Kong for a longer period. So, instead of coming for three or four days, hopefully, they’ll here for even nine days,” he said.

According to Brooke, getting visitors to stay longer in Hong Kong is now a common goal for major sporting events. “If you look at tennis, golf or football, they’re also looking at expanding their events calendar, bringing big events into Hong Kong,” he added.

According to a Nielsen survey of fans who attended last year’s Hong Kong Sevens, more than 90 percent of visitors planned to stay in the SAR for more than two days.

“It’s an incredible place. We couldn’t believe we were here, and we’ll be spending more than five days in Hong Kong,” said an Argentine spectator, surnamed De Haro. His son was a player in the tournament and helped secure a victory for Argentina against Spain in their opening match on April 17.

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The 2026-27 Budget has earmarked HK$1.2 billion ($153 million) for the Arts and Sport Development Fund to bolster the local sports scene. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who engaged with various stakeholders at the event, said the resounding success of the Hong Kong Sevens has reinforced global confidence in the city’s upward economy trajectory.

The Hong Kong Football Festival will also be held at Kai Tak Stadium in August, further enhancing the city’s unique attraction as a premier destination for major sporting events. 

Contact the writers at akirawang@chinadailyhk.com