Hong Kong’s flower show set to bloom despite budget cuts

Hong Kong’s annual flower show is set to attract about 650,000 visitors over 10 days, featuring new additions such as busking street performances and floral art demonstrations, despite a 7 per cent cut to its budget.

The show – which will run from this Friday until March 23 in Victoria Park at Causeway Bay – has been scaled down due to a decreased budget from HK$54 million last year to HK$50 million.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said on Thursday that the theme flower of this year is cosmos, a daisy-like bloom in various colours that symbolises resilience and strength.

“We hope the weather will favour us so people are willing to go out and enjoy our exhibition,” said Tina Tai Yuen-kwan, of the department who chaired the committee of this year’s show.

She said that the attendance numbers would be similar to last year and made up of 5 to 10 per cent of tourists.

Ahead of the show, authorities stepped up promotion with invitations made to media influencers on RedNote in an attempt to attract more tourists from mainland China.

“This year, we have added busking performances and floral art demonstrations to the activities line-up. A variety of educational and recreational activities that are family-friendly, ensuring that everyone can enjoy them,” said Annie Fung Ka-wai, acting assistant director of Leisure Services at the Leisure and Culture Services Department.