Hong Kong will ring in the new year with packed restaurants and bustling nightlife activities in Central, but the absence of a fireworks display may affect business on the Kowloon side, industry leaders have said.
Their comments on Wednesday followed the Tourism Board’s earlier announcement that the main celebration would be held on Chater Road in Central, after the annual Victoria Harbour fireworks show was cancelled following the deadly Tai Po fire.
Lan Kwai Fong Association director Anthea Cheung So-may said that many bars and some restaurants in Central’s nightlife district would host countdown parties, with some offering discounts and games with prizes.
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“So far, restaurants and bars offering countdown activities have had about 80 to 90 per cent of their tables reserved,” she told a morning radio show.
“We expect customers to arrive later at night, especially as the countdown event and light show on nearby Chater Road are expected to draw large crowds of residents and tourists. We believe it will help boost business at restaurants and bars in Lan Kwai Fong.”
She added that many bars were expected to stay open until 8am on New Year’s Day to cater to revellers heading to Lan Kwai Fong after attending other countdown events across the city.