The global ticketing platform Eventbrite has announced its launch in Hong Kong with a slew of new features to help empower local event creators.
The localised platform, eventbrite.hk, is one of the first in Asia that will include an integration that allows event-goers to purchase tickets directly through Facebook and Instagram. Fans can easily process payments through Hong Kong Dollars. Other new features include reserved seating and curated local content.
The Hong Kong launch follows the company’s debut in Singapore earlier this year as a part of its Asian expansion. They’ve decided to officially launch in the country after more than 2 million tickets were processed in Hong Kong since Eventbrite’s inception.
According to a press release, Eventbrite has seen Hong Kong as a city “brimming with diverse experiences” that has hosted health and wellness, food and wine, and music events throughout the country like The Conscious Festival and Hellodog Fest. Additionally, there are over 6,500 Hong Kong event creators that are already using the platform, proving that people in the country love hosting live experiences; over 34,000 events have been powered throughout Hong Kong already.
Over the past year, 84 percent of Hongkongers attended an event and over one-third of the respondents said they intend to increase the number of events they attend next year, a survey released by Eventbrite showed. Moreover, 4 out of 5 residents noted that they would rather spend money on experiences, rather than possessions.
The general manager of Eventbrite Asia Pacific, Phil Silverstone, said that he is excited about this new opportunity in Hong Kong and believes the global city “punches well above its weight.”
“From its vibrant foodie culture to its booming local arts and emerging music scenes, live experiences are a cornerstone of this dynamic, fast-paced city – and we’re excited to launch a platform that will power even more events for locals to enjoy,” he said in the release, noting that features like payment processing in Hong Kong dollars, local curated content, and the integration with Facebook will allow the localised platform to deliver the “best-in-class experience that increases reach and drives ticket sales.”
This is just another step in Eventbrite’s growth globally. Back in 2014, the company launched in Melbourne with just four staff members and have grown to an Asia Pacific team of 40, powering 1.1 million events and selling over 64 million tickets in the Asia Pacific region. In addition, earlier this year Eventbrite revealed a collaboration with Google to allow Australian concertgoers to easily find nearby live shows using Google’s new “Events In Search Feature,” which includes notable information about each event.
