Hong Kong’s mega-event sector continues to show robust growth, with the city hosting over 130 large-scale events in the first half of 2026 alone. These events attracted approximately 1.75 million visitors and contributed an estimated HK$5.8 billion to the local economy, according to remarks by Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po. Notable highlights include concerts by global artists such as Coldplay and Blackpink, which drew hundreds of thousands of fans, as well as the 2025 Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, which generated around HK$768 million in economic impact.
Beyond their economic benefits, these events are increasingly integrating environmental sustainability measures. For example, Coldplay’s global tour incorporated a recycling leaderboard that incentivized attendees in Hong Kong to return LED wristbands, achieving a return rate of 94 percent and helping to reduce the tour’s overall emissions by 59 percent compared to its previous iteration. Similarly, YG Entertainment, the management company for Blackpink, implemented rigorous carbon tracking for their 2026 Hong Kong concert, marking a commitment to higher transparency in event-level carbon accounting.
As climate concerns and sustainability expectations rise globally, industry experts emphasize that green initiatives are becoming essential for the continued success of large-scale events in Hong Kong. A recent estimate by Our Hong Kong Foundation suggests that greening mega-events could generate approximately HK$1 billion annually, while simultaneously cutting emissions.
Surveys indicate growing prioritization of carbon reduction among event organizers, with a 2023 study showing 69 percent considering mitigation measures important. While some stakeholders express concerns that stricter environmental standards could deter events, Singapore’s experience offers a counterpoint. Since implementing its MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) Sustainability Roadmap in 2022, Singapore has seen continued growth in its event visitor numbers.
To capitalize on this momentum, policy experts advocate for the explicit inclusion of green mega-event standards in Hong Kong’s forthcoming Climate Action Plan 2050 update. Currently, green event initiatives are treated as sector-specific efforts, limiting coordination across government departments and complicating funding. Making sustainable event planning a strategic priority would enable better alignment and resource allocation.
A proposed framework includes a comprehensive decarbonization roadmap for large-scale events that draws on existing mainland China guidelines, defining clear metrics for carbon accounting, emission boundaries, and offset mechanisms. The government is encouraged to require green event plans in funding applications, particularly for high-profile events like Art Basel and the Hong Kong Sevens, to embed sustainability from initial planning through post-event dismantling.
Given that many commercial MICE events take place at government-managed venues such as the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo, upcoming contract renewals provide an opportunity to incorporate green operating requirements into venue agreements.
On the supply side, establishing a centralized green supplier directory vetted by the government and accredited bodies could help event organizers access verified environmentally friendly goods and services. Addressing the higher costs often associated with sustainable options—reported to carry premiums ranging from 16 to 40 percent—officials might consider subsidy programs, such as e-green vouchers, to incentivize procurement from certified suppliers.
Industry analysts suggest that integrating environmental sustainability with economic strategy will help Hong Kong maintain its competitive edge as a global event destination. By embedding green standards into event infrastructure and operations, the city aims to attract top-tier events and promote a resilient, future-ready mega-event economy.