Drone shows captured the spotlight again in Hong Kong when a Doraemon-themed display lit up the night sky over Victoria Harbour last month, with the next one scheduled for Wan Chai on June 10. Industry insiders now expect these high-tech performances to bring fresh opportunities for the city’s night-time economy and tourism sector.

Up to 150,000 people watched the 1000-drone display of characters from the popular manga and animation series. The drone show, a world first for Doraemon, lasted 15 minutes but required more than three months of preparation, according to organizers Droneology.

Perry Yiu Pak-leung, the lawmaker representing the tourism constituency, said drone displays are another kind of innovative experience that can demonstrate the cultural characteristics of the region, which he believes can enhance Hong Kong's attractiveness and tourist experience

The firm has staged about eight drone shows so far and said this one on May 25 required an on-site team of 30 technicians to deal with strong winds in Victoria Harbour and guarantee the accuracy of the animations.

“Drone shows with Victoria Harbour as the backdrop are great opportunities to showcase the prosperity and beauty of Hong Kong and attract overseas visitors,” said Andy Chau, chairman of the Hong Kong Drone Sports Association.

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Hong Kong has sought to revive its tourism industry after the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government introduced several stimulus measures to boost the economy and attract tourists. The campaign includes holding events such as “Night Vibes Hong Kong” to revitalize the city’s nightlife with outdoor food stalls, fireworks, and drone shows.

In September, a large-scale drone show themed “The Bigger Moon, The Greater Bay” wowed audiences with its dazzling display of lights. Another show during “Wan Chai Night Vibes” attracted about 250,000 people in a single day.

In his 2024-25 Budget speech in February, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-Po said that firework and drone shows would be staged regularly above Victoria Harbour to attract overnight visitors and revitalize the city’s tourism.

From May, themed displays are being held monthly to coincide with various Hong Kong festivals or major events. The first one celebrated the Cheung Chau Bun Festival by featuring 1,000 drones combining to create a 60-meter-high mountain of buns.

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Perry Yiu Pak-leung, the lawmaker representing the tourism constituency, said drone displays are another kind of innovative experience that can demonstrate the cultural characteristics of the region, which he believes can enhance Hong Kong's attractiveness and tourist experience.

A total of 11.23 million travelers visited Hong Kong in the first quarter of 2024, a 150 percent increase year-on-year.

Globally, the popularity of drone light shows is expected to accelerate rapidly in the next five years. According to data market research company QYResearch, global sales for commercial drone performances hit 1.52 billion yuan ($210 million) in 2023 and are expected to reach 6.84 billion yuan by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate of 23.4 percent.

To improve the drone show market in Hong Kong, Andy Chau suggested that supporting activities are as important as the content of the show itself.

However, he also pointed out that Hong Kong’s small size and flight regulations mean there is limited space for flying drones.

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According to Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department regulations, a number of scenic spots such as Tai Mo Shan, Sunset Peak and Victoria Harbour are included in a“no-fly zone” that requires special approval for drone performances.