Rosanna Law: Lunar New Year to see tourism boost, weighs opening public venues for commercial events

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law says she is optimistic about a year-on-year uptick in visitor arrivals during the Lunar New Year holiday.

Speaking with TVB News, Law also reveals that the government is considering appointing external agents to coordinate commercial activities at some Leisure and Cultural Services Department venues.

With about two weeks to go before the Lunar New Year holidays, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law spoke with TVB News, noting that festive celebrations this year, including fireworks displays, are poised to be larger in scale.

She says the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station will also extend its opening hours during the festive period.

Law says this year's Lunar New Year is further apart from Christmas, which could buoy repeat travel.

She adds that the mainland's Golden Week holiday will last eight to nine days, potentially benefiting Hong Kong.

She says geopolitical factors and travel advisories that have affected other destinations, such as Japan, may help divert more visitors to Hong Kong.

As for the traditional Lunar New Year Cup football match, Law says details are expected to be unveiled as early as Monday.

Asked whether preparations are too rushed, she says the Hong Kong Football Association is working hard on arrangements, stressing that the annual "New Year match" is a cherished tradition meant to bring festive joy to the public.

Looking ahead, Law says many major events still have room to expand, and she expects total visitor arrivals this year to exceed 50 million, surpassing last year's tally.

While she does not commit to whether growth would exceed last year's roughly 12-percent increase, she stresses that enhancing reception capacity is key.

On the government's plan to open up 24 LCSD venues for commercial use, Law says the response to the recently issued Expression of Interest has been encouraging, with double-digit submissions received.

Some proposals involve outdoor spaces, such as areas outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, while venues overlooking Victoria Harbour, including museums in Tsim Sha Tsui, have attracted particular interest.

Law says the government is considering hiring an intermediary agent to handle overall coordination and management.

She also reveals that the application process for cinemas to host non-film events has been streamlined, with approval times reduced from over 40 days to around 18 days, in a bid to help the industry stay afloat.