News
September 20, 2025
HKFP Monitor September 20, 2025: Where did ‘Night Vibes’ go; Hong Kong as a hub of hubs
Welcome back to HKFP Monitor. This week, we look into the strange disappearance of the Hong Kong government’s Night Vibes website and what happened to this marquee policy for reviving local tourism, retail and catering. We also delve into the 2025 Policy Address, released on Wednesday. We’ll examine the numerous mentions of “hubs,” public reactions [...]
Hong Kong's nightlife is a little less vibrant this week, as questions swirl around the abrupt disappearance of the government's "Night Vibes" website. The platform, launched with fanfare earlier this year, was intended to be a one-stop shop for promoting evening activities and offers across the city, aiming to revitalize tourism, retail, and the catering industry. Now, just months after its debut, the site is gone, leaving many wondering what happened to this key initiative aimed at boosting Hong Kong's post-pandemic recovery.
The "Night Vibes" campaign was a high-profile effort to draw locals and tourists alike back into the city's entertainment districts after sunset. The website was designed to showcase special deals, performances, and events happening throughout Hong Kong, from street markets to fine dining experiences. Its disappearance raises concerns about the effectiveness and sustainability of such government-led tourism drives. Was the website poorly utilized? Did the campaign fail to generate the anticipated economic impact? Or is this merely a temporary setback, with plans for a revamped approach in the works? These are the questions on the minds of business owners and residents alike.
Meanwhile, the annual Policy Address, delivered this past Wednesday, has sparked considerable debate, particularly around the administration's vision for Hong Kong as a "hub of hubs." The phrase, repeated numerous times throughout the address, signifies the government's ambition to position Hong Kong as a central connector for various industries and sectors within the region and beyond.
The 2025 Policy Address outlines plans for Hong Kong to become a hub for financial technology, innovation and technology, arts and culture, and green finance, among others. The emphasis on "hubs" reflects a strategy to leverage Hong Kong's existing strengths and strategic location to attract investment, talent, and international partnerships.
However, the repeated use of the term has also drawn criticism. Some commentators argue that the focus on becoming a "hub" lacks concrete details and measurable goals. Concerns have been raised about whether Hong Kong possesses the resources and infrastructure necessary to effectively support so many diverse sectors simultaneously. Public reaction to the Policy Address has been mixed, with some praising the ambition while others call for more specific plans and accountability measures to ensure these "hub" aspirations translate into tangible benefits for the city.
The "Night Vibes" campaign was a high-profile effort to draw locals and tourists alike back into the city's entertainment districts after sunset. The website was designed to showcase special deals, performances, and events happening throughout Hong Kong, from street markets to fine dining experiences. Its disappearance raises concerns about the effectiveness and sustainability of such government-led tourism drives. Was the website poorly utilized? Did the campaign fail to generate the anticipated economic impact? Or is this merely a temporary setback, with plans for a revamped approach in the works? These are the questions on the minds of business owners and residents alike.
Meanwhile, the annual Policy Address, delivered this past Wednesday, has sparked considerable debate, particularly around the administration's vision for Hong Kong as a "hub of hubs." The phrase, repeated numerous times throughout the address, signifies the government's ambition to position Hong Kong as a central connector for various industries and sectors within the region and beyond.
The 2025 Policy Address outlines plans for Hong Kong to become a hub for financial technology, innovation and technology, arts and culture, and green finance, among others. The emphasis on "hubs" reflects a strategy to leverage Hong Kong's existing strengths and strategic location to attract investment, talent, and international partnerships.
However, the repeated use of the term has also drawn criticism. Some commentators argue that the focus on becoming a "hub" lacks concrete details and measurable goals. Concerns have been raised about whether Hong Kong possesses the resources and infrastructure necessary to effectively support so many diverse sectors simultaneously. Public reaction to the Policy Address has been mixed, with some praising the ambition while others call for more specific plans and accountability measures to ensure these "hub" aspirations translate into tangible benefits for the city.
Category:
Politics