The number of mainland Chinese visitors coming to Hong Kong for the first five days of the National Day “golden week” break rose by 5.1 per cent from last year, while business leaders have said cosmetics sellers and cha chaan teng enjoyed a boost in customers.
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Maurice Kong Chi-hang, chairman of the Institute of Dining Professionals, said that the National Day fireworks on October 1 served as a draw for visitors, helping to prompt a 10 to 25 per cent increase in business for restaurants.
But he said the revenue generated by the food and beverage industry had not met expectations.
“Most visitors preferred casual dining, while only a small group of [key opinion leaders] and selected visitors would reserve tables at signature restaurants,” Kong said.
“[Food and beverage] consumption appears to be considered a basic need, resulting in limited spending at restaurants.”
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But the latest immigration figures showed the number of mainland visitors coming to Hong Kong in the first five days of the mainland’s extended holiday reached 1.03 million, up by 5.1 per cent from last year.