Posted at 12:56 a.m., Saturday, November 10, 2007
Olympics: Hong Kong to spend $20M promoting Games
Associated Press
HONG KONG — Hong Kong is planning to spend up to $20 million to stir up Olympic fever in the Chinese territory and abroad ahead of next year's Beijing Games, an official said today.Hong Kong, a former British colony on the southern edge of mainland China, will host the equestrian events of the Games, but officials have admitted there is a lack of interest among the city's residents.
Legislators will be asked next month to approve a budget of $19.2 million for a host of Olympic-themed events to stir up enthusiasm, including street carnivals and a torch relay.
Almost $3.85 million would go to the quasi-governmental Tourism Bureau, Home Affairs Deputy Secretary Donald Tong told broadcaster RTHK.
A rash of equine diseases and substandard quarantine procedures in China forced Beijing to hand the equestrian events to Hong Kong, which has a well-established racing circuit, but few facilities for dressage and show jumping events.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club, which controls horse racing in the area, has spent about $100 million on upgrading existing venues and building new ones to host Games events, which will take place between Aug. 9 and Aug. 20.
Tong said the money would help enhance Hong Kong's image overseas and attract visitors who may decide to use Hong Kong as a base from which to attend the Games in China.
