HONG KONG, March 31 (Reuters) – Hong Kong’s well-liked Rugby Sevens event kicks off within the monetary hub on Friday, with revellers partying for the primary time in three years with out COVID-19 guidelines, together with face masks.
The three-day competitors, held from March 31 to April 2, is one among many occasions town is holding to draw worldwide vacationers and enterprise travellers to revive Hong Kong’s economic system and put it on the market as a cultural hub.
The Hong Kong leg of British music pageant Creamfields can be going down on April 1-2. The Chinese language particular administrative area has hosted monetary summits previously two weeks in addition to Artwork Basel Hong Kong, one among Asia’s main up to date artwork festivals.
Scores of occasions have been cancelled, postponed or taken to different Asian cities equivalent to Singapore, Bangkok and Seoul due to Hong Kong’s inflexible coronavirus guidelines.
The previous British colony dropped its necessary masks mandate in March as authorities launched a promotion marketing campaign dubbed “Hey Hong Kong”, providing guests 500,000 free aircraft tickets.
Recognized for its pageant vibe and costumes, the Sevens have been final held in Hong Kong in November however extra muted than ordinary, with occupancy constraints, masks and COVID vaccine proof required. Worldwide guests weren’t allowed to attend except that they had been within the metropolis for 3 days.
The town’s Rugby Union is extra upbeat concerning the upcoming occasion.
“With masks off and smiles on, the world-famous Sevens ambiance is again,” the union stated, including that company packing containers have been virtually offered out and worldwide demand was almost again to pre-pandemic ranges. “Over 20% of tickets bought within the public sale are coming from abroad audiences, signalling Hong Kong’s return is in full swing.”
HSBC and town’s flagship airline Cathay Pacific (0293.HK) are the 2 primary sponsors of the Sevens.
Reporting by Farah Grasp. Enhancing by Gerry Doyle
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