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