Temple Street night market could shift focus to selling souvenirs: Clement Chan

Clement Chan Kam-wing, head of the Yaumatei Temple Street Association of Hawkers and Shop Operators, said the scale of the Temple Street night market could be expanded, while shifting its focus to selling souvenirs to tourists.

The Temple Street night market that opened in December last year is part of the government’s Night Vibes Hong Kong campaign to spice up the city’s nightlife and boost the economy.

Speaking on a radio program this morning, Chan said he had received mixed reviews after speaking to stall owners at the market.

He said some reflected that the market has a limited effect, with visitors mostly enjoying the atmosphere rather than making big spendings, while some told him their revenue had grown by up to 30 percent.

The number of tourists visiting Temple Street has gradually increased with the new initiative, which also gave businesses on nearby streets such as Bowring Street a boost, said Chan.

The association chief believed the scale of the night market could be expanded, adding that the street could also sell souvenirs to tourists.

He said there is not one particular walking street in Hong Kong that is dedicated to selling souvenirs to tourists, and that Temple Street has the potential to be the first to sell unique Hong Kong souvenirs.