Hong Kong is on a trajectory to bolster its international reputation and economic vitality through mega events – spectacular occasions attracting thousands of residents and visitors alike and generating economic benefits that ripple far beyond tourism.
At the heart of this transformation is the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), a state-of-the-art precinct poised to invigorate the city’s struggling retail and tourism sectors. This shining jewel in Hong Kong’s crown promises an exciting line-up this year, including the world-renowned British band Coldplay and the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2025, which is making a venue change after 41 years.
With the global sports and music tourism industry projected to soar to US$1.5 trillion by 2032, Hong Kong stands at the cusp of tremendous opportunities in this expanding market. At the Hong Kong Sports Economy and Tourism Summit last September, Financial Secretary Paul Chan asserted that the city is primed to become Asia’s premier events capital by hosting an increasing number of high-quality international sports events, significantly benefiting the community and economy.
"Sports + Tourism" and "Mega Events + Tourism" are among the four key “+tourism” directions proposed in the Tourism Blueprint 2.0 released in December. The Government has set ambitious goals to elevate the tourism sector’s worth from HK$75.3 billion in 2023 to HK$120 billion by 2029 – an impressive 60% increase.
The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) said it would continue to support tourism, sports and cultural events through the “M” Mark System, Cultural Events Fund (Mega ACE Fund), support packages and funding for signature tourism events.
“We hope to inject impetus and freshness into the city through mega events and enhance the city’s soft power and tourist-friendly atmosphere to attract global visitors and create a home-like travel experience,” CSTB stated.
According to Government data, Hong Kong will host 93 events in the first half of 2025, attracting approximately 840,000 visitors and generating HK$3.3 billion in spending. Among these, around 30 large-scale international sports events will be supported under the “M” Mark System, including the HK7s, LIV Golf Hong Kong, the Lunar New Year Cup, the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon and the Hong Kong International Horse Show.
Events such as the HK7s are catalysts for economic growth, generating substantial revenue through ticket sales, merchandise and related activities. Over the next six months, mega-events are projected to contribute HK$1.8 billion to the economy, building on the HK$1.4 billion generated by similar events in the first half of 2024.
This upward trajectory boosts local businesses and showcases Hong Kong's capability to host world-class events. According to KTSP, over 200 local and international event organizers and promoters have already expressed interest in the precinct.
Spanning 28 hectares, KTSP is a HK$30 billion investment strategically located on the former Kai Tak Airport site, part of a broader redevelopment initiative to enhance the tourism experience in East Kowloon. A 10-15 walk from the Kai Tak and Sung Wong Toi MTR stations, the park has conducted successful trial runs, including concerts that drew enthusiastic local crowds.
Integrating mega-events into Hong Kong's tourism strategy is expected to yield numerous benefits, including a projected 40% increase in employment within the tourism sector, potentially creating around 210,000 jobs over the next five years. KTSP said the employment boost has already begun during the park’s design and construction phases, generating many permanent and casual roles as it moves into operation.
“The events at KTSP will draw thousands of visitors, boosting demand for local shopping, dining, and accommodation,” said Tammy Wu, Chairman of the Chamber’s Retail & Tourism Committee. “In addition to this surge in retail sales and job opportunities, the Government is enhancing cruise terminal operations and optimizing sports park usage to attract even more tourists for these mega-events.”
The Facilities
At KTSP’s core are three venues designed to accommodate various events. The centrepiece is the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium, perfect for hosting major national and international events. Complementing it is the 10,000-seat Kai Tak Arena, an indoor facility tailored for a range of sports and entertainment activities. For community-focused events, the 5,000-seat Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground provides an accessible platform for local engagement.
The stadium’s standout feature is its retractable rooftop, allowing events to proceed rain or shine. An advanced cooling system ensures comfort through air-conditioning and spot cooling, providing precise temperature control even during Hong Kong's sweltering summers.
Versatility is another hallmark of the stadium, thanks to its turf system that can be rolled up and transported to an off-site cultivation ground when not in use. This flexibility allows for seamless transitions between turf and hard ground, accommodating a variety of events.
The Champion is one of Asia's largest sports bars, measuring 100m-long bar top. Kai Tak Mall, spread over 700,000 square feet, offers over 200 stores, 70 dining options and a 40-lane bowling centre. Japan’s Joypolis Sports has recently opened its Hong Kong flagship in the five-storey Health and Wellness Centre. Visitors can also unwind at the East Village, an outdoor space adjacent to the stadium, and in the areas along Victoria Harbour.
Recycling bins and solar PV panels have been installed to promote a healthy, eco-friendly environment. Energy efficiency is central to the park's design. The Kai Tak District Cooling System offers cutting-edge cooling solutions while integrating renewable energy to help offset the park's energy needs. Water conservation is also a priority, with over 30% of the landscape featuring drought-resistant plants and a commitment to fulfilling 25% of irrigation needs with recycled rainwater.
2025 Calendar
Besides Coldplay and the HK7s, standout events at KTSP this year include the World Grand Prix 2025 in snooker and concerts by renowned artists Nicholas Tse and Jay Chou. Additionally, KTSP will host regional sporting events, such as the National Games, co-hosted with Guangdong and Macau, where the HK7 teams will showcase their talent. KTSP said more exciting events were in the pipeline, with announcements expected in the coming months.
The HK7s is arguably the premier event on Hong Kong’s sports calendar. Before the pandemic, international fans alone contributed over HK$400 million to the local economy during the weekend, with projections for 2024 reaching HK$500 million. After a two-year hiatus, the HK7s made a triumphant return in November 2022, coinciding with Hong Kong’s inaugural Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit. The event’s popularity was palpable, as many summit leaders chose to stay and enjoy the matches.
For Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR), the tournament is a major source of revenue, with all profits from the event supporting the HKCR community and club rugby.
“We are excited about all of the opportunities that our move to Kai Tak will bring,” said James Farndon, CEO of Hong Kong China Rugby. “Our objective has always been to retain the best of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens traditions, and all the magic that has evolved over the years, and to bring all this to a state-of-the-art modern venue.”
HKCR will host various concerts to engage a wider audience during the HK7s. Local Cantopop band RubberBand will perform at the opening ceremony on Friday, March 28. Italian icon GALA will take the stage on Saturday, and English indie rockers Kaiser Chiefs will headline on Sunday, ensuring that the weekend will appeal to both rugby enthusiasts and casual fans.
Thanks to the stadium's capacity, Farndon said more HK7 fans will be able to immerse themselves in the action, attracting a greater number of international ticket buyers and hospitality guests. The iconic south stand has also been reimagined, preserving its legacy of adult-only seating while enhancing the overall experience. The new Fan Village will be open to all ticketholders, offering community activities, entertainment and opportunities for attendees to connect with partners.
“The HK7s enjoys robust support from various HKSAR Government organizations committed to fostering the mega-event economy,” he emphasized, highlighting the goal of attracting more world-class events to establish Hong Kong as Asia’s premier events hub.
Future Goals
Over the past five years, the KTSP team has established relationships with local sports teams and National Sporting Associations to lay the foundation for its future role as a premier sports venue.
These collaborations aim to engage local talent and host various sporting events, leading to the year-round use of the park's facilities. KTSP said such partnerships will also facilitate organizing events that attract a broader regional audience and enhance local sports development.
Wu pointed out that the park is bound to create long-term ripple effects throughout Hong Kong’s economy, with local businesses benefiting from the consistent influx of visitors over the years, especially in hospitality, retail and entertainment.
“This sustained demand will ignite growth and inspire new ventures. The international spotlight will attract tourists and investors, enhancing the city's economic profile. Furthermore, the development and upkeep of event-related infrastructure will stimulate urban revitalization, improving Hong Kong’s appeal and living standards.”
CSTB said world-class and major sports events are strategically significant to Hong Kong as an international events capital, attracting industry leaders from around the globe to experience its realities and vibrancy while helping to convey good stories about the city and China.
Chamber Visit to KTSP
Chamber members enjoyed exploring the sprawling Kai Tak Sports Park on 23 January during a tour led by James Irvine, Commercial Director, and Kath Wong, Senior Manager – B2B Marketing.
At the heart of the complex sits Kai Tak Stadium, which features iridescent panels and is aptly named the “Pearl of the Orient.”We also explored Kai Tak Arena, an indoor venue for international tournaments ranging from badminton to gymnastics. Nearby, the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground is ideal for football, rugby and school sports days.
Adding dining and retail therapy to the mix is the 700,000 sq ft Kai Tak Mall and Dining Cove at the harbourfront, where you’ll also find sports academies, a climbing wall and bowling alleys.