Speaking at the opening ceremony of the city’s inaugural Brazilian festival, “Extravaganza! When Brazil Meets Hong Kong,” Chan emphasised the need for creativity to enhance the city’s appeal.
“It requires imagination, innovation and inspiration to make our city even more attractive to tourists and residents,” he said.
“We need more events like this one and more joint efforts by the business community, including the tourism, catering and retail sectors, to create new experiences for consumers and visitors.”
Chan noted that beyond concerts and major rugby fixtures, Hong Kong will host top-tier football matches, expressing a keen desire to welcome the Brazilian national team soon.
Brazilian deputy consul-general Hervelter de Mattos said the national team would love to play in the SAR, and hopes to see them come in the future.
He further highlighted the festival’s significance, calling it a “new cultural bridge” benefiting both tourism and the local economy.
“It’s inevitable that business will also benefit from this situation,” de Mattos said.
“Most of the consuls general who were here [at the festival] are from countries that share somehow the same kind of energy.
“If you see the Philippines, Thailand, Colombia, Spain and others, these are countries also with the same kind of warm culture. It’s a good occasion for all of us.”
Festival founder and CEO Stefan Matzinger expects up to 8,000 visitors daily during the three-day celebration.
