Hong Kong waterfront event draws record number of tourists
HONG KONG, July 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The “100% DORAEMON & FRIENDS” exhibition opens today in Tsim Sha Tsui’s K11 arts and culture district, drawing record crowds. The event, featuring the beloved 1969 manga character Doraemon, celebrates Hong Kong emerging status as a cultural hub.
The exhibition, held on the famous Avenue of Stars, attracted a large influx of visitors to the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade. The event kicked off with a “blue” carpet on the avenue, leading to large-scale Doraemon sculptures dotted around the indoor and outdoor areas. According to a K11 spokesperson, the attendance marked an impressive increase over the usual traffic.
The centerpiece of the exhibit was a 12-meter inflatable Doraemon, billed as the world’s largest. The magnitude of the attraction highlights Hong Kong commitment to hosting major cultural events.
This event is part of Hong Kong The city has a broader strategy in place to capitalize on the “mega-event economy.” Since 2022, the city has been actively developing a strategy to establish itself as a hub for large cultural gatherings. Government officials emphasize that such events are essential to boosting tourism and energizing the local economy. Large-scale events, such as Art Basel Hong Kong, are a testament to the city’s growing influence in the IP cultural landscape.
Officials say these major events, which strategically draw on popular culture, aim not only to attract tourists but also to boost local spending, benefiting sectors ranging from retail to hospitality. A typical tourist attending the expo reportedly plans to spend a substantial amount on their trip, reflecting the broader economic benefits associated with such cultural attractions.
Adrien ChengFounder of K11 and a strong advocate of cultural exchange, said of the event: “This exhibition illustrates the substantial economic impact that cultural intellectual property can bring to Hong Kong“It’s a vibrant demonstration of how the fusion of culture and commerce can energize our city’s economy.”
Janet, a visitor who has travelled from The Philippinessaid: “I knew I had to come Hong Kong when I first heard about the exhibit. It’s always wonderful to see your favorite childhood character in “real life.” We rarely get events like this in our home, so I’m willing to drop by HK$15,000 on merchandise and other Doraemon experiences that accompany the series.
As products fly off the shelves along the promenade, next to the K11 MUSEA exhibition, the restaurant is attracting locals and travellers with its Doraemon-themed menu. Another restaurant operator, LUDBUDS F&B Group, which runs several restaurants in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, is also offering similar deals.
“The exhibition has clearly attracted more tourists and families to Tsim Sha Tsui. It provides an opportunity to attract customers with our Doraemon menu,” said Berfa Chow, chief operating officer of LUBUDS F&B Group Ltd. Chow estimates that revenue will increase by 30 to 40 per cent during the event period.
Hotel stays generated by the event are also seeing renewed interest. Casper TsuiExecutive Director of the Hong Kong Hotel Owners Federation, said: “The Doraemon exhibition, which runs in July and August, coincides with other large-scale exhibitions such as the Book Fair and Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong. In addition, there will be an exhibition football match featuring a La Liga team in Hong Kong. Hong Kong. This series of events is expected to attract visitors from the region and increase hotel occupancy rates. Occupancy rates at hotels in prime locations are expected to reach 80 to 90 percent, with themed hotels likely to be more numerous.
As Hong Kong Tokyo continues to organize and host innovative and large-scale cultural events, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for international cultural exchange. The DORAEMON exhibition is more than just an attraction; it embodies the city’s strategic economic and cultural vision.
Founder of K11 Adrien Chengsaid: “The “100% DORAEMON & FRIENDS” exhibition is not only a major event for the city and the region, but also an excellent example of cultural IP exchange. It successfully brings iconic Japanese cultural IP to Hong Kong and highlights other anime-inspired characters and Hong Kong movie stars celebrated on the Avenue of Stars. This exhibition reflects Hong Kong “We have the status of an East-West International Cultural Exchange Centre, which will continue to boost our tourism, catering and retail sectors, generating both popularity and economic prosperity.”
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SOURCE K11
