Editor’s Note
Hong Kong’s retail and catering sectors saw a significant boost during China’s National Day holiday, with some businesses reporting year-on-year growth of up to 20%. The return of high-spending tourists, including one who spent over HK$1 million, signals a strong rebound for the city’s economy.
Hong Kong retailers and caterers have reported business growth of up to 20 per cent year on year during mainland China’s National Day “golden week” break, with one tourist spending a whopping HK$1 million (US$128,500) on international brands.
Industry leaders said stores selling gold, jewellery and cosmetic products emerged as the big winners as the eight-day break wrapped up on Wednesday, while cha chaan teng were the top dining choice, followed by Chinese restaurants.
According to the Immigration Department, 1.29 million mainland visitors headed to Hong Kong in the first seven days of the holiday, up by 6.4 per cent from last year.
The number of arrivals, excluding mainland travellers and Hong Kong residents, increased by nearly 27 per cent to about 210,000.