Lantern Festival markets to be set up across Hong Kong to spur local consumption

To encourage local consumption, various districts in Hong Kong are planning to organize Lantern Festival markets, with a scholar suggesting that such activities can help retain citizens' spending within the city.

The Tsuen Wan District Office has proposed to organize a three-day Lantern Festival market Carnival from February 23 to 25, with some 100 merchants selling food and offering games as well as performances.

Traditional lanterns will also be set up to celebrate the festival so that visitors can take photos with them at night, the office suggested.

Some districts, meanwhile, are planning to take advantage of local festivals to set up markets.

For the Sai Kung district, the District Office proposed setting up over 70 stalls during the Tin Hau Festival celebration in May, while the Eastern District Office is planning to organize "Night Dragon Dance" performances on weekends during the Birthday of Tam Kung celebrations in May, and inviting merchants to offer dining and consumption discounts.

While the proposed activities still require approval from the respective district councils, scholars are already rallying behind the plan, saying such measures can have a certain effect in stimulating the district economy. 

Andy Kwan Cheuk-chiu, director of the ACE Centre for Business and Economic Research, said Hong Kong has been in a slump for three years, and that having a festive atmosphere can encourage people to stay in Hong Kong to participate. However, he said people should not rush for immediate results.

Kwan suggested that the activities should be well-planned and distinctive, and must be held in different districts on each weekend.

He said the activities should not be held simultaneously across all 18 districts during the same period to avoid dispersing the spending power.

The scholar further suggested that the photo-worthy spots set up in each district should align with their respective cultural characteristics, while authorities could plan routes for participants introducing them to local attractions and stores.