Key Takeaways:
- Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, promises support for influencers promoting the city.
- YouTube star iShowSpeed’s recent visit drew huge viewers but sparked mixed reactions.
- The city plans to use influencers for cultural diplomacy, following China’s strategy.
- Future influencers can expect full support from Hong Kong’s Tourism Board.
Hong Kong is opening its doors wide to social media influencers! In a recent announcement, the city’s leader, John Lee Ka-chiu, said Hong Kong will do everything it can to help influencers like YouTuber iShowSpeed promote the city through live streams. This comes after iShowSpeed’s recent visit to Hong Kong, which got a lot of attention but also some criticism.
iShowSpeed’s Hong Kong Adventure
iShowSpeed, a 20-year-old YouTuber with over 38 million followers, live-streamed his Hong Kong trip for hours. He visited places like Ocean Park, Kam Shan Country Park, and Temple Street Night Market. At one point, over 150,000 people watched him live! Crowds even followed him everywhere he went, showing how excited people were to see him in the city.
But not everyone was happy. Some people thought his visit didn’t show the best of Hong Kong. For example, lawmaker Dominic Lee Tsz-king said his trip missed out on showcasing the city’s amazing attractions. He pointed out that iShowSpeed’s visit to Shenzhen, where he saw cool tech like drone deliveries and self-driving cars, was way more impressive.
A Big Missed Opportunity?
Even though iShowSpeed’s streams were popular, some critics feel Hong Kong could have done more to make his visit special. The Tourism Board actually reached out to his team to offer help, but they didn’t take it. Maybe next time, Hong Kong can show him even more of what the city has to offer!
Why Influencers Matter to Hong Kong
So, why is Hong Kong so focused on influencers like iShowSpeed? John Lee said the city wants to create a welcoming environment for visitors and make sure they have a great time. He hopes all Hongkongers will help promote their home, whether they’re famous influencers or just regular people.
China’s Influencer Strategy
This isn’t just about Hong Kong. China has been using influencers as a way to show the world its culture and achievements. When iShowSpeed streamed from Shanghai and Beijing, his videos got millions of views. Chinese state media said influencers like him help people in other countries see sides of China they don’t usually hear about in the news.
What’s Next for Hong Kong?
Hong Kong’s leader made it clear that the city will keep supporting influencers. Whether it’s iShowSpeed or someone else, anyone who wants to promote Hong Kong can expect help. This could include planning trips, arranging special experiences, or even just spreading the word about how awesome the city is.
A Global Influencer’s Journey
iShowSpeed isn’t just stopping at Hong Kong. He’s been streaming from all over Asia, and each stop has been a big deal. His fans love seeing him explore new places, and that’s exactly what Hong Kong wants more of. By welcoming influencers, the city hopes to attract more visitors and show the world how unique it is.
The Future of Cultural Diplomacy
Using influencers for cultural diplomacy is a smart move. It’s a way for places like Hong Kong to connect with younger audiences who might not follow traditional news or tourism ads. Plus, it feels more authentic because it’s coming from someone they already trust and enjoy watching.
Conclusion
Hong Kong’s plan to work with influencers like iShowSpeed is a great way to boost its image and attract more visitors. Even though his recent visit had some misses, the city is ready to do better next time. With its beautiful parks, bustling markets, and rich culture, Hong Kong has so much to offer. Who knows? Maybe next time, iShowSpeed will show the world just how amazing Hong Kong can be!
