Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)’s initiative to invite overseas influencers and celebrities to promote Hong Kong has raised concerns among lawmakers, regarding the economic benefits these celebrities could bring to the city.
Various lawmakers such as Chan Hoi Yan, Kenneth Fok have requested a breakdown of expenditure to be earmarked by the government for arranging familiarisation trips for key opinion leaders (KOLs), influencers, media and trade partners and inviting them to join the trips. They also questioned the economic benefits they could bring to the city.
In a written response to lawmakers’ questions on Wednesday, Joe Wong, permanent secretary for culture, sports and tourism said the HKTB invited over 2,000 trade and media representatives, celebrities, influencers and super fans to the city last year to help promote local tourism.
Moreover, the HKTB arranged tailor-made thematic itineraries for them, while they participated in producing more than 330 video clips…