Hong Kong to launch first-ever hot air balloon festival

Hong Kong will host its first International Hot Air Balloon Festival (HABFest) at the Central Harbourfront Event Space from 4 to 7 September, featuring hot air balloons from various countries.

This follows the trend of several countries around the world hosting annual hot air balloon festivals, such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in US and the Saga International Balloon Festival in Japan. The Saga festival attracts 800,000 visitors each year, making it an integral part of its host city's cultural and tourism landscape, according to the release.

Organised by Grand Events Asia and sponsored by AIA, the "AIA Hong Kong International Balloon Fest Hong Kong" will combine unique hot air balloon creations from various countries with local culture and ingenuity. It aims to become one of Hong Kong's annual major events, attracting both local and overseas visitors to boost tourism and economic growth while further enhancing the city’s international image.

Speaking at the press conference, Joey Chan, chief operating officer, Grand Events, said the team has spent eight years travelling globally to study hot air balloon events. They connected with technical teams and invited experienced professionals to achieve their goal of hosting a festival in Hong Kong. The inaugural event is expected to attract at least 80,000 visitors, with plans to introduce new elements each year to expand its scale and establish it as a renowned annual international celebration.

The inaugural HABFest will feature distinctive hot air balloons from multiple countries, including six large balloons up to 20 metres tall and over 10 small-size balloons of around 11 metres tall, featuring a variety of designs, including animals such as a red panda, wolf, dinosaur, and cat, as well as other creative elements.

They are from various regions and countries such as Canada, UK, Germany and Japan, and some have been exhibited internationally. In addition, the organiser has tailor-made a panda-shaped hot air balloon showcasing Hong Kong's uniqueness.

Meanwhile, AIA Club Alta, an exclusive membership loyalty programme for high-net-worth customers, will create special experiences for its members and event participants by transforming one of AIA’s “Rethink healthy” mascots, the health and wealth cat, into a hot air balloon.

Throughout the event, visitors can witness the magical process of the hot air balloons being inflated at specific times, see up close the stunning balloons, while also experiencing the visual effect of the balloons moving gracefully across Hong Kong's iconic skyline as the backdrop of the spectacle.

To provide visitors with an extraordinary experience, a “Hot air balloon night glow show” and live music performances will be held every night at the Central Harbourfront. The first line-up of participating artists includes local singer Joey Yung, the event ambassador; Leo Ku Kay Tse; Louis Cheung; Kenny Kwan; Gin Lee; Endy Chow; Vincy Chan; Tang Siu Hau, Heize Wong, Andy Leung and bands ToNick and LMF. 

In addition to the hot air balloons and concerts, the event will feature a variety of booths, including game stalls, food stalls, and retail outlets. 

Furthermore, the "AIA Hong Kong International Balloon Fest" has partnered with Outward Bound Hong Kong to host the "AIA balloon run", a charity family fun run on 6 September. Participants can enjoy a morning run along Hong Kong’s coastline while watching the hot air balloons. Proceeds, after operational costs, will support Outward Bound Hong Kong’s youth development initiatives.

Stating that from 10 July, consumers can purchase entry tickets for HABFEST through HK Ticketing and KKday. The event will feature two time slots: sunrise and sunset. Ticket prices vary for adults, students, seniors, people with disabilities, as well as family groups of four.

“As a company based in Hong Kong, we aim to create a landmark event that highlights the city’s unique charm, celebrating its vibrancy and innovation, while connecting local culture to a global audience. We are honoured to have the great support of AIA Hong Kong, a like-minded partner deeply rooted in the city and equally passionate about showcasing the best of Hong Kong to the world, as the title sponsor of HABFest and its charity run,” Chan said. 

“Together, we aim to promote Hong Kong’s distinctive cultural identity, revitalise tourism, and drive economic growth. It is therefore aligned with the government’s ‘mega events’ policy, reinforcing Hong Kong as Asia’s premier destination for leisure and entertainment,” Chan added. 

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to the Hot Air Balloon Festival for more information.

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