According to Market Insights Group, 74 percent of 500 respondents said they think hosting the WTO meetings was good for the territory's image.

Despite the findings, not everyone was pleased.

Simon Wong, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, said some Wan Chai eateries suffered losses of up to 40 percent due to the protests, traffic rerouting and other issues.

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But although restaurants reported that they had virtually no business on Saturday after protests turned violent, Wong said most restaurant owners understand the benefits of hosting the WTO.

"In general, they kind of agree that the WTO gave Hong Kong a positive image," he said, adding that very few eateries are asking for government compensation.

Wan Chai District Council chairwoman Ada Wong said she has not received any complaints from the community.

"I think the loss of business was expected," she said. "They had over half the year to prepare. Now we're thinking of the things we can do to bring people back to Wan Chai."

Survey respondents were less positive when asked if improving Hong Kong's reputation was worth the high cost. Only 37 percent said they felt the territory got value for its money.

The Legislative Council allocated HK$256 million to host the meeting but a spokeswoman for the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau said it is not yet known how much public money was actually spent.

"I don't think we'll have the figure within this month," the spokeswoman said. "There's no timetable for when we will have it."

Regardless of the final price tag, Li Kui-wai, associate professor of economics and finance at City University, said Hong Kong should continue to host events of the same caliber as the WTO.

"It's worth it because it makes Hong Kong different from other Chinese and Asian cities," he said.