HK prepares for New Year's Eve lucky draw

Hong Kong residents and visitors are preparing for a New Year Countdown Lucky Draw with more than 20,000 prizes valued at over HK$4 million ($514,000). This has been arranged by the city's Tourism Board to replace the traditional fireworks show.

Between 6pm and 11:30pm on Dec 31, locals and visitors in Hong Kong above 18 can participate in the lucky draw by filling in their information on a digital platform. Ten lucky draws will provide four round-trip tickets between Hong Kong and any other destinations provided by Cathy Pacific Airways Limited.

Other prizes, also decided by random computer selection, include the latest iPhones, supermarket vouchers, luxury hotel stays and spa packages. Tickets to Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park will also be provided.

Earlier this month, the Tourism Board confirmed that the city's traditional firework display on New Year's Eve had been called off – citing public safety concerns posed by anti-government protests. This year's National Day fireworks show on Oct 1 was also scrapped for the same reason.

Tourism Board executive director Dane Cheng Ting-yat said an enhanced version of A Symphony of Lights – the daily light and sound show over Victoria Harbour – would be launched once the clock strikes 12. Smaller-scale rooftop fireworks are planned on Hong Kong Island.

The entire show, including another countdown event, will be live-streamed on ViuTV, the board's website and other social media platforms, after which lucky draw prize winners will be announced.

The board estimates the total cost for the enhanced visual show, lucky draw prizes and other technical support will be about HK$10 million. This is less than the HK$14 million spent on last year's fireworks show.