Hong Kong on Thursday announced the cancellation of a cycling mega event and a popular food festival amid escalating violence that has brought mayhem to its economy.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) said it was not an easy decision to cancel the Oct. 13 Hong Kong Cyclothon and the Hong Kong Wine &Dine Festival, slated for Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, both of which enjoy huge popularity among local residents and visitors.
"In view of unforeseen circumstances in the coming weeks, it would be challenging to us to ensure the smooth running of the two events," said HKTB Chairman Pang Yiu-kai.
The planned program of Hong Kong Cyclothon featured public cycling activities and professional races, including "Hammer Hong Kong", the final stop of the esteemed "Hammer Series."
It was called off after the "Hammer Series" organizer decided to cancel the Hong Kong stop in light of recent protests.
The HKTB also noted the frequent protests near the venue of the Hong Kong Wine &Dine Festival, and said it would be difficult to ensure the large number of participants could leave safely and timely in case of conflicts.
Unrest has raged for more than three months in Hong Kong as radical protesters blocked roads, set fires in streets, trashed metro stations and assaulted police, civilians and businesses.
Tourism and retailing sectors are among the hardest hit by the prolonged violence. The special administrative region saw visitor arrivals plummet by nearly 40 percent in the tourist rush season of August.
