Hong Kong’s new district councillors propose neighbourhood fairs and Instagrammable ‘check-in’ spots to boost growth, but will residents and visitors join the party?

Government has called on newly elected politicians to do their part to stimulate economic growth

But only two of 18 district councils are proposing events with local flair and experts warn weak desire to spend and overlapping schedules may cause parties to fizzle out

Reading Time:3 minutes

The Temple Street night market has recently been overhauled in a bid to lure more people. Photo: Elson Li

Published: 8:30am, 5 Jan 2024Updated: 2:09pm, 5 Jan 2024

Hong Kong’s revamped district councils have proposed holding carnivals in their neighbourhoods and creating Instagrammable “check-in” spots to help boost growth, but economists and tourism sector leaders remain sceptical over whether the ideas will be successful.

Among the initiatives proposed was a Thailand-style festival carnival in Kowloon City, where the Southeast Asian nation’s cultural influence can be felt, as well as decorating the celebrated wishing tree in Tai Po.

The 18 district councils, overhauled under Beijing’s “patriots-only” governing principle, put forward the idea of hosting fairs in a bid to answer the government’s call of organising activities to promote local economic development. The newly elected members began their term on January 1.

Temple Street draws people in December last year. The Yau Tsim Mong district council will study the possibility of organising more events with the West Kowloon Cultural District on the street. Photo: Elson Li

In addition to booths selling signature delicacies and handmade items specific to each district, the fairs would feature live performances and offer attendees incentives to spend at nearby shopping malls and stores.

Hong Kong’s new district councillors propose neighbourhood fairs and Instagrammable ‘check-in’ spots to boost growth, but will residents and visitors join the party?

Government has called on newly elected politicians to do their part to stimulate economic growth But only two of 18 district councils are proposing events with local flair and experts warn weak desire to spend and overlapping schedules may cause parties to fizzle out

Government has called on newly elected politicians to do their part to stimulate economic growth

But only two of 18 district councils are proposing events with local flair and experts warn weak desire to spend and overlapping schedules may cause parties to fizzle out