The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival, scheduled for June 14-16 at Central Harbourfront, appears to be the only event casualty from the disruptive protests held around the Central Government Complex in Admiralty and Wanchai areas.
The protests across several days were held in opposition of a controversial extradition law, with June 16’s drawing more than two million Hongkongers to the streets.
Doris Lam, general manager of Momentous Asia Travel & Events Co, told TTGmice that she did not receive any event cancellation or postponement, and a conference on June 16 carried on as planned.
“Fortunately the conference took place in a hotel away from Wanchai (and) the gala dinner was held at a restaurant nearby. It turned out to be a smooth and good day for us (despite the protest that day),” remarked Lam.
MIMS (Hong Kong) was also not affected, shared head of CME and congress division, Sigourney Liu.
“We had no events last week, only a medical conference that is scheduled at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) next week,” Liu said.
But she noted with concern that “travellers’ confidence is shaken” now.
“Therefore, we have taken extra effort to have a contingency plan in case roads are blocked around affected areas. For instance, we will ask delegates to remain in their hotel and (have the presentations beamed to them through) live videos,” Liu said.
Cancellation of the event is “hard” at this late stage, she said, as guests have been invited and delegates have paid for hotel accommodation.
“We have had queries from delegates asking if it is risky to come, but I reassured them that Hong Kong is still a safe city. Our delegates are well-educated and trained doctors who are used to crises (so they are less panicky),” she added.
A Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) spokesperson maintains that the destination is still business as usual and tourist activities are not affected.
However, the spokesperson noted that “Admiralty is the major transportation hub and home to various hotels, shopping malls and attractions, so the large-scale demonstration in the area may cause inconvenience to visitors”.
She added: “HKTB will continue to closely monitor the development and keep trade partners and visitors informed of the latest information.”
