The Hong Kong government had “clearly stated” to the organiser of a failed hot-air balloon festival that the chance of approving passengers to ride in the aircraft was “extremely slim” and had recommended that it cancel the attraction and issue refunds ahead of time, the tourism chief has revealed.
Making public the details for the first time, Secretary for Sports, Culture and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui on Thursday said authorities told the organiser eight days before the event began in Central on September 4 that there was not enough time to test the balloon rides.
But Grand Events Asia Limited went ahead with the ticket sales, and the sudden announcement of the cancellation of the highlight of the show – tethered hot-air balloon rides 20 metres (65.6 feet) into the air – on opening day triggered a flurry of complaints.
The company only announced refunds after the end of the four-day event on September 7, following the intervention of sponsor AIA International.
The Post has reached out to Grand Events Asia, AIA and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau for comment.
Law told legislators during a Legislative Council meeting that authorities “clearly stated” to the organiser on August 27 that the chance of authorities approving the rides was extremely slim due to the tight schedule.
