'Ticket stub economy to boost sports growth'

DAB lawmaker Vincent Cheng has called on the government to further develop the so-called "ticket stub economy", as part of the efforts to boost the city's sports industry growth in the coming five years.

"Ticket stub economy" refers to a growing consumer trend where event tickets could be used for discounts at local businesses to maximise economic benefits.

As part of his proposals for Hong Kong's first five-year plan, Cheng said previous efforts have already showed relevant schemes could yield positive results, as some businesses near the Kai Tak Sports Park reported a 20 to 30 percent rise in revenue in May after rolling out dedicated discounts for concert-goers using their ticket stubs.

With turnout at various sporting events in the second half of the year expected to top 200,000, he said the government should take the opportunity to launch strategic "ticket stub" discounts, in collaboration with the local retailers, hotels and restaurants.

"A lot of tourists, they come over to Hong Kong to watch the games, but we hope that they can spend a little bit more time [in the city]," he told RTHK.

"We have to give them more opportunities and more choices on what they can do in Hong Kong."

He also said retailers could extend their discount period to a week or one month after the events, to attract travellers as well as participating athletes to stay longer.

The lawmaker added that transportation vouchers or fare waivers could be offered, in reference to similar schemes in Germany for people with tickets for football matches.

And to encourage greater participation, Cheng, who's also vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Sports Institute, said officials can consider issuing dedicated subsidies for residents to engage in sporting events – and develop healthier lifestyles.

Such subsidies can be launched under a "Sports and Health Consumption Scheme" and given to people – especially youngsters and the elderly – when they purchase relevant sports products or tickets for local matches.

"Hong Kong people love to do sports, no matter some new sports like pickleball or HYROX, or even like historical sports like tennis, basketball, whatever. There's a lot of Hong Kong people, they love sports and it's also good for their health," he said.

"But we know that some people told us that Hong Kong is a small area they don't have enough space in the venues. So we think if the government can give more support on that, no matter providing more venues or subsidies to the public to encourage more people to do sports.

"Then the whole Hong Kong area will be healthier and people will love to do more [sports] in the future."

Edited by Edmond Fong ...