New light shows must attract business, not just spectators: tourism sector

New light shows replacing Hong Kong’s long-running “A Symphony of Lights” should help nearby shops and restaurants attract business, rather than simply drawing spectators who leave after the performance, tourism representatives have said.

Lawmaker Perry Yiu Pak-leung and tourism union adviser Leung Fong-yuen on Wednesday backed experimenting with new formats as the nightly Victoria Harbour attraction prepares to stage its final show next Wednesday after 22 years.

“Don’t simply attract tourists to come, take a look, marvel at it together and then leave,” Leung said. “Without any subsequent boost to the economy, it has little meaning.”

On Tuesday, the Tourism Board announced that “A Symphony of Lights”, which has illuminated the city’s skyline since 2004, would end on November 18. Its final performance will feature special pyrotechnic effects, with seasonal light shows set to replace the nightly attraction.

Leung, an adviser to the Hong Kong Tourism Industry Employees General Union, said shows that are not held daily would be harder for travel agencies to include in itineraries.

But with more visitors travelling independently or in smaller groups, she supported experimenting with events tied to festivals.

She said “A Symphony of Lights” was not a major reason for tourists to visit Hong Kong, although it offered an added surprise against the harbour’s already attractive backdrop.

European tour groups still commonly included the show in their itineraries, she added, but the harbour itself would remain an attraction after the show’s retirement.

Yiu said seasonal themes could keep displays fresh, while staging events in different neighbourhoods would create opportunities to support local businesses.

He suggested directing resources towards quieter commercial areas, including Tsim Sha Tsui East and the Urban Council Centenary Garden there, to revive footfall and nighttime spending.

“The most important thing is to offer an experience while also generating economic benefits,” he said, calling for closer cooperation with businesses.

Yiu also suggested using light strips to outline distinctive waterfront buildings in Admiralty and Wan Chai, while balancing the appeal of a brighter skyline against light pollution.

Preliminary Tourism Board figures showed about 40.7 million visitor arrivals in the first nine months of this year, up 12 per cent from a year earlier.

September arrivals rose 22 per cent to about 4.03 million.

This year’s WinterFest, which opens next Wednesday and runs until January 5, will expand beyond Central to Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay.

Attractions include a train-themed light show across nine Central buildings and festive projections on landmarks along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront.

Causeway Bay’s programme will begin on November 25, featuring light shows, an outdoor bar, markets and workshops.