Diner’s Diary | Michelin sponsorship: Hong Kong Tourism Board denies paying to use its name at dining festival, but admits deal with related company
City tourism chiefs say they have contract with Robert Parker Wine Advocate, in which Michelin has 40pc stake, to manage events and sponsorships for local Michelin Guide, but confidentiality clause prevents disclosure of its terms
At first she confirmed an earlier report that quoted her as saying the Hong Kong Tourism Board sponsors the Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau – something the board had told us was not true. Later she came back to us to say that was not correct and that, in fact, it was private companies that sponsored it – businesses including Macau casino operator Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Mercedes AMG, Nespresso, cognac producer Martell and dining reservations website Chope.
However, she did say that the tourism board paid Michelin for the right to use its name in connection with the Wine & Dine Festival held annually in October. We asked the board if that was correct.
It took more than 48 hours to get a reply – a spokeswoman for the board said it was waiting to hear back from Michelin before responding, to ensure it gave a consensus reply. How thoughtful, yet how odd.
In any event, we finally got our answer: the tourism board – which the Hong Kong government funds and whose members it appoints – said it doesn’t have any contract with Michelin for the use of its name for the Wine and Dine Festival. (The board also reiterated that it does not pay money to Michelin to sponsor its annual Hong Kong and Macau dining guide, and that it is not involved in the selection of restaurants.)