In his weekly blog on Sunday, Chan revealed that over 130 events drew approximately 1.75 million visitors, generating an estimated HK$5.8 billion in consumer spending and contributing roughly HK$3.3 billion in economic value.
This influx of activity has been a key driver for the retail sector, which has now recorded 14 consecutive months of growth, with a cumulative increase of 9.6 percent.
Chan highlighted the recent Hong Kong Football Festival and Audi Football Summit as prime examples of this momentum.
The three matches held at Kai Tak attracted more than 120,000 spectators, with ticket revenue alone expected to surpass HK$180 million.
“Restaurants near Kai Tak reported a business increase of approximately 20 percent during this period,” he said.
“Many merchants devised creative strategies to boost business, such as offering promotions linked to event ticket stubs, dining discounts, and free parking.”
The cultural sector has also contributed to the city’s vibrancy.
At the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the “Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums” exhibition has drawn over 570,000 visitors since its launch late last year, with sales of roughly 200 related cultural products exceeding HK$30 million.
In the last financial year, combined revenue for the Palace Museum and the M+ Museum rose 22 percent year-on-year — underscoring the growing importance of venue rentals and cultural merchandise.
Looking ahead, Chan painted an upbeat picture for the remainder of the year.
With over 100 events already on the calendar — including a food expo, the National Day fireworks, the Hong Kong Cyclothon, and the Wine and Dine Festival — the city expects to welcome more than 1.85 million visitors and generate approximately HK$5.9 billion in spending.
In a significant milestone, Hong Kong will also host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers’ Meeting for the first time in October.
Chan emphasised that this presents a golden opportunity to showcase the city as a premier financial hub and a dynamic destination for arts, sports, and lifestyle.
