Hong Kong bars see 20% revenue forecast as Halloween draws tourists
Hong Kong's bar industry expects a 20% revenue boost from Halloween celebrations, with tourist inquiries doubling. The Hong Kong Bar & Club Association cites festive atmosphere and government support for the surge, while the Travel Industry Council notes a rise in solo travellers from mainland China
Hong Kong’s bar industry is projecting a 20 per cent increase in overall business revenues compared to last year during the Halloween celebrations, driven by a significant influx of tourists, according to Joe Chan Hing, a representative from the Hong Kong Bar & Club Association.
Chan noted that many bars, shopping malls and restaurants have hired DJs for live performances and launched promotional campaigns on social media, with the association receiving encouraging feedback and reservation rates. “Backed by the strong festive atmosphere, along with the government’s various decorative installations and free transport arrangements, I am confident we will see a 20 per cent increase in business over last year,” Chan said.
While the weekend crowds were predominantly local residents, business owners anticipate a significant rise in tourist arrivals as Halloween approaches later this week. The tourism sector expects the seasonal activities to attract a high volume of independent travellers, while group tour bookings are projected to see a modest increase of 5 to 10 per cent.
Fanny Yeung Shuk-fan, executive director of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TIC), noted a dramatic surge in inquiries regarding Halloween travel recommendations from solo travellers, spanning both the mainland and international markets such as Malaysia, India and the Netherlands. The TIC has provided custom itinerary suggestions, and many travellers have booked hotels or restaurants through them. Yeung stressed that these independent travel inquiries have doubled compared to previous years.
However, she highlighted a transportation hurdle, as mainland tourists looking to return across the border late at night rely solely on the overnight Huanggang Port. Yeung stated that standard tour groups have not yet transitioned to using the Huanggang Port for border clearance, adding that the industry will only consider shuttle services for group tour travellers once late-night port operations run more smoothly.
