The Phelps brothers, who star in the Harry Potter series, almost stole the show at the Hong Kong Sevens opening ceremony. The pair now form part of a social media campaign to attract more visitors to the cty
HONG KONG is reaching for the stars through social-media wizardry with two actors from the Harry Potter films among the influencers appearing at the Rugby Sevens.
HKTB supported the Sevens with a stunning dragon-lion dancers and more
James and Oliver Phelps, who play fun-loving wizards, the Weasley Twins, are at the centre of one of Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)’s campaigns with the brothers among key figures enjoying the city sights.
The Phelps were joined by Hong Kong rugby stars Max Woodward and Chloe Chan for photo opportunities at city visitor favourites such as The Peak Tram, Star Ferry and Man Mo Temple.
WIZARDS ON WALKABOUT
Sevens rugby stars Max Woodward and Chloe Chan join the Phelps twins on The Peak
The “Weasley Twins” teamed up with Hong Kong men’s rugby sevens captain Max Woodward and Chloe Chan of the women’s team to first take the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to visit stalls serving noodles and wonton.
The group then took the Peak Tram to the Peak for views of the Victoria Harbour skyline from Sky Terrace 428, the highest viewing deck in town.
The twins also hopped on the trams to explore the Hong Kong Island and went on a city walk to experience Old Town Central’s Lascar Road and Man Mo Temple.
The twins also played a leading role in the Cathay Pacific/ HSBC Hong Kong Sevens opening ceremony, which featured dragon and lion dancers, pyrotechnics and entertainers.
HKTB prepared for the 30th anniversary Sevens with a series of global promotions and also targeted markets with a “mature rugby culture” by working with media and travel agents such as South Korea and Australia.
The Friday evening opening ceremony at the Sevens. More than 120,000 fans attended over the three days – the last Sevens to be held at the stadium before a move to Kai Tak
Tickets for the three-day event, set to be the last held at Hong Kong Stadium before moving to a new home at Kai Tak Sports Park, were sold out for the first time since the pandemic outbreak.
International visitors, particularly from the UK, Australia and Fiji, accounted for 40 per cent of the tickets sold, according to organisers Hong Kong Rugby China.
HKTB also partnered with Cathay Pacific and MTR Corporation to incorporate elements of the event into various locations in town, including MTR stations and bus stops, to help create a city-wide rugby ambience.
New Zealand eventually triumphed on the pitch by winning both the men’s and women’s cups while Hong Kong men prevailed over Japan in the newly created Melrose championship.
