Opinion | What are they thinking? Esports is not a game for the Hong Kong Tourism Board to play
Sudden realisation that it’s too hot at Central harbourfront in summer shines a burning light on the whole organisation of the HK$35 million esports festival
The half-baked esports festival is beginning to unravel with the Hong Kong Tourism Board feeling the heat.
Initial concerns over the lack of participation of Hong Kong esports community, the format and also the participants have now given way to more serious concerns as to whether the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) knows what it’s doing – or if the event will even take place.
The HKTB announced last weekend that due to “unstable weather” in recent days, all ticket sales have been postponed and it is now seeking an indoor venue for the HK$35 million event that also includes a music festival.
It also doubles as one of the “mega events” Hong Kong is hosting to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the city’s return to mainland China.
With the Hong Kong government feeling the pressure to put on a good show for the anniversary, the HKTB put out an open tender for event organisers at the end of 2016.