Lunar New Year’s Eve signals return to form for Hong Kong restaurants as business reaches 90 per cent of pre-Covid levels
- But traders at city’s largest seasonal flower market bemoan poor sales this year, despite widespread axing of coronavirus policies
- Restaurateurs say they are fully booked for holiday, with industry expected to rake in about HK$380 million just one day shy of Lunar New Year
Hong Kong’s dining scene enjoyed a spirited return to 90 per cent of pre-Covid business levels a day shy of the Lunar New Year as locals and tourists splashed out at large gatherings with family and friends for the first time in three years.
Shoppers also ventured to Victoria Park to catch the last day of the city’s largest seasonal flower market, even as sellers spoke of an up to 60 per cent drop in sales from last year’s event.
Simon Wong Ka-wo, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, said many eateries were enjoying booming business with full bookings throughout the break, especially on Lunar New Year’s Eve, a day traditionally set aside for families to reunite over dinners.
“I expect the catering industry could rake in about HK$360 million [US$45.9 million] on Friday and HK$380 million on Saturday,” he said.
“With Hong Kong opening up and the stock prices climbing up, there is a rising consumer sentiment with people loosening their purse strings. The catering industry has restored 90 per cent of its pre-Covid business. I can feel that people are happy now.”
Residents and travellers alike have used the occasion to dine with relatives and friends following the city’s axing of restrictions last month, such as a vaccine pass requiring patrons to be fully inoculated or to seek an exemption to enter select premises, as well as a cap on the number of people per table at restaurants.