Southeast Asia and Chinese Tourists Influence Hong Kong’s Tourism Landscape
Southeast Asia and Chinese Tourists Influence Hong Kong’s Tourism Landscape
Southeast Asia is witnessing a surge in Chinese tourists as Hong Kong residents opt to travel abroad, contributing to a significant drop in restaurant receipts amidst the Mid-Autumn Festival. Reports indicate a staggering 10% decline in earnings for catering businesses compared to the previous year due to increased outbound travel, particularly to mainland Chinese cities and Southeast Asia.
The Impact of the National Day Holiday
- According to Wong Ka-wo, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, dining establishments are trying to attract customers with discounts, reflecting a challenging economic climate.
- Notably, the National Day holiday, observed from October 1 to 7, poses an opportunity for an influx of mainland visitors, which could revive the struggling tourism sector.
Local Experiences During the Festival
- Wong noted that local catering businesses reported a 10-15% drop in customer numbers during the festive period.
- Reports indicated various establishments near Victoria Harbour benefited from increased foot traffic, while food outlets in tourist hotspots like Tsim Sha Tsui struggled to fill tables.
With optimism for the upcoming holiday, Timothy Chui Ting-bong from the Hong Kong Tourism Association is confident that the anticipated arrival of mainland Chinese tourists will provide much-needed relief to the beleaguered industry.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.