Hong Kong restaurants and bars are enjoying a boost in business during the Christmas holiday driven by a multiple entry visa scheme for Shenzhen residents, as spenders lean towards “affordable deals”.
Anthea Cheung So-may, director of the Lan Kwai Fong Association, said on Wednesday she was optimistic about revenues during the Christmas and New Year holidays as reservations in the nightlife area reached 80 per cent.
She also said businesses in Lan Kwai Fong had rolled out special festive products to lure different spenders amid the underperforming economy, citing examples of the all-you-can-eat and brunch menus, as they noticed a change in consumer patterns.
“Lan Kwai Fong has been a high-spending area. Some customers, regardless of whether they are locals, mainlanders or foreigners, are eager to spend,” Cheung told a radio show.
“This year, we have launched affordable deals to appeal to a broader audience, such as all-you-can-eat meals rarely seen in Central previously. We have observed a change in consumer pattern.”
She added that people visiting the area this year were spenders rather than passers-by who only wished to experience the festive atmosphere.