HK taps double festivals to ignite consumer frenzy

Hong Kong witnessed a vibrant and record-setting consumer market as the city moved to unlock its spending potential during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.

The Hong Kong Palace Museum proved to be a major highlight, breaking records with over 9,200 visitors on Oct. 2, marking the highest single-day attendance since its opening in July 2022. Additionally, the promotional efforts by the Hong Kong Theatres Association resulted in another remarkable achievement, with the highest number of admissions on National Day in nearly a decade, attracting over 150,000 people.

The food and beverage industry also witnessed a significant increase in consumption and recreational activities. More than 1,700 restaurants in Hong Kong provided a 30 percent discount during the festive period, in addition to offering special set menus and food promotions.

According to Simon Wong, the president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, the three-day holiday is expected to generate around 1.2 billion Hong Kong dollars (about 150 million U.S. dollars) in revenue for the food and beverage industry, approaching pre-pandemic levels.

After a five-year hiatus, the National Day fireworks display illuminated Hong Kong's sky, captivating over 430,000 spectators gathered along both sides of Victoria Harbour, eager to witness the grandiose spectacle firsthand.

The fireworks show was one of the events of the Night Vibes Hong Kong campaign, and following the mesmerizing display, a large number of citizens flocked to The Waterfront Carnival in Wan Chai to immerse themselves in the vibrant market atmosphere. Long queues formed in front of various stalls, as people indulged in the bustling event.

Starting from Sept. 27, night markets were set up in three waterfront locations: Wan Chai, Kwun Tong, and Kennedy Town, adding to the festive ambiance and providing more opportunities for locals and visitors to enjoy the lively atmosphere.

These night markets featured diverse performances and a wide variety of stalls, becoming a vibrant evening spectacle. Kennedy Town's market, located along the Belcher Bay Promenade, not only offered traditional snacks and handicrafts but also provided massage services and cotton candy making. Live music performances were also held every night.

Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee said that the Night Vibes Hong Kong campaign would continue until early next year, and authorities will continue to gather public opinions and incorporate new elements to offer more choices for the citizens.