Fireworks explode over Victoria Harbor to celebrate the New Year in Hong Kong, Jan. 1, 2024. Photo by Reuters
Hong Kong will cancel its iconic New Year’s fireworks display over Victoria Harbor following a deadly inferno in Tai Po that killed 161 people and shocked Asia.
Instead there will be a countdown celebration in a pedestrian precinct on Chater Road in Central, the South China Morning Post reported citing the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
In addition to the countdown event, a series of festive activities will still take place on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
With large visitor numbers expected, authorities will extend their service hours on New Year’s Eve to facilitate cross-boundary travel and manage countdown crowds.
Traditionally, the fireworks show to usher in the New Year takes place over Victoria Harbor.
In 2024, there were four fireworks displays, totaling 12 minutes in addition to live performances by Hong Kong and international artistes.
Hong Kong was named the world’s second most visited city for international arrivals this year, after Thailand’s Bangkok, with 23.2 million visitors, according to global market research company Euromonitor International.
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