HK International Races tourists expected to inject HK$35m to local economy

Over 20,000 horse racing fans worldwide gathered at Happy Valley on Wednesday (10 December) to kick off the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) week, with the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) expecting a HK$35 million boost to the economy.

This coincides with the International Jockeys' Championship, leading into HKIR. The festivities continued at Sha Tin Racecourse with the HKIR Morning Trackwork and Barrier Draw on 11 December, followed by the Hong Kong International Races on 14 December, featuring top jockeys and horses from around the world.

The HKJC said that this year's international racing week has attracted nearly 1,400 overseas visitors for race travel tours to Hong Kong, representing a 130% increase from last year, according to HK01 and am730. These visitors come from Australia, UK, US, and various countries across Asia.

These 1,400 overseas visitors are expected to explore various tourist attractions during their average week-long stay in Hong Kong. Their spending during international racing week, excluding contributions to Hong Kong's hotels and airlines through tour fees, is estimated to reach HK$35 million in the retail and dining sectors.

With Australian travel agencies present at Wednesday's event, representatives told am730 that the number of participants has grown from 30 15 years ago to 120 today. Many are Australian horse owners and trainers with a passion for racing, as Hong Kong racing enjoys a strong reputation in Australia. Some travellers even watch the races weekly, making their attendance a long-cherished dream.

Additionally, among a group of 97 participants this time, about 30% are returning customers and 70% are new. Besides watching the races, participants are also sightseeing and shopping, with each expected to spend around HK$25,000 to HK$30,000. Jewelry enthusiasts are projected to spend up to HK$40,000 on shopping, according to the report. 

HKJC said it will continue to upgrade racing facilities and open more venues for visitor use, enhancing its capacity to accommodate guests in line with the government's efforts to develop horse racing tourism.

Don’t miss: HKJC and CTS ink deal to promote horse racing tourism in HK

Back in March, HKJC inked deal with China Travel Service Hong Kong Limited (CTS) to support the city’s tourism, sports, cultural exchange and youth development. The partnership aims to promote tourism in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, help Hong Kong consolidate its position as an international tourism hub, and facilitate youth development and exchange between Hong Kong and the Mainland.

This collaboration came at a moment when horse racing tourism has been included in the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s tourism industry, as proposed by Hong Kong’s leader John Lee. By integrating resources and leveraging strengths, the club and CTS will promote horse racing tourism, cultural exchange and youth development and work to promote the GBA as a world-class tourist destination.

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