Beer and BBQ festivals possible under beach scheme to tap private sector operators

Senior administrator says operators expected to upgrade facilities while drawing visitors, charging reasonable fees and ensuring responsible use

Hongkongers and visitors will be able to enjoy large-scale events such as beer and barbecue festivals at three public beaches under a pilot scheme that will allow private-sector operators to upgrade facilities, a district councillor has suggested, with a top administrator saying fees must be kept affordable.

Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Manda Chan Wing-man told a radio programme on Monday that the government would not set strict key performance indicators (KPIs) for commercial operators, but stressed that they would need to ensure responsible public use of the designated beaches.

The government began inviting companies last week to submit expressions of interest to develop Butterfly Beach in Tuen Mun, Tung Wan Beach in Ma Wan and Big Wave Bay in the Southern district.

Speaking on the same radio programme, Tuen Mun district councillor Chung Kin-fung said each of the three beaches had its own unique characteristics and could host a variety of different activities.

“The beaches could adopt different operating models. For example, the adjacent areas could host beer and barbecue festivals,” he said, pointing to such events in Brazil.

Agreeing with Chung’s suggestions, Chan said operators could make the most of Butterfly Beach’s beautiful sunset views, large barbecue area and nearby park to host large-scale events.

She also highlighted the advantages of the two other beaches: Tung Wan Beach is located near the popular family attraction Noah’s Ark, while Big Wave Bay is a famous hotspot among surfers.