Boost for Kowloon City as Backstreet Alliance widens reach

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The “Backstreet Alliance” initiative, designed to offer discounts to residents and tourists while promoting local tourism and consumption, launched its Kowloon City chapter on Monday with a ceremony at Kowloon City Plaza. 

Algernon Yau, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, highlighted the program’s success in fostering collaboration between businesses and community stakeholders to uncover opportunities and stimulate economic activity. 

Expanding economic opportunities in Kowloon City

The initiative, which previously boosted consumption in the Central and Western District and Wan Chai, now aims to spotlight Kowloon City’s unique cultural and historical charm.

Last year’s campaign in Central and Western District, themed around nostalgia, capitalized on the Christmas and New Year season to showcase the area’s history, art, and diverse culinary offerings, resulting in a roughly 20 percent increase in business for participating small merchants. 

Celebrating Kowloon City’s cultural and historical charm

This success has inspired organizers to expand the program to other districts, with Kowloon City chosen for its rich history and vibrant food scene, including renowned Chiu Chow and Thai restaurants. 

Yau, reflecting on his past career in aviation, recalled the iconic sight of planes flying low over Kowloon City to land at the former Kai Tak Airport, underscoring the area’s historical significance.

From September 15 to October 31, approximately 50 Kowloon City businesses are offering discounts to customers presenting a physical or digital “Local Guide Discount Card.” 

Promotions include perks like free drinks or snacks with a minimum spend, or up to 10 percent off entire bills. 

At certain Thai restaurants, customers spending HK$600 or more receive a complimentary portion of Thai-style grilled fish, while some barbecue shops offer a 10% discount on the entire bill for purchases of HK$500 or more.

Enhancing visitor experience with innovative features

To enhance the visitor experience, the Urban Renewal Authority, drawing on last year’s success in Central and Sheung Wan, created a “Kowloon City Local Guide” map highlighting key attractions. 

The map features three augmented reality experiences accessible via QR codes at designated spots, allowing visitors to view historical scenes, such as planes flying over old buildings during Kai Tak Airport’s operation.

URA Managing Director Donald Choi Wun-hing emphasized the initiative’s role in supporting Kowloon City’s development while preserving its unique Chiu Chow and Thai cultural identity. 

Efforts are being made to help characteristic businesses continue operating during redevelopment or relocate back afterward. 

With the National Day holiday approaching, the campaign aims to attract visitors from other districts and tourists, boosting local tourism and economic activity. 

Following the launch ceremony, Yau visited event booths, sampling Thai coconut pandan cakes and Chiu Chow taro and frozen banana desserts, and distributed goodie bags to elderly residents to promote the silver economy.

Organized by the Hong Kong Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises in collaboration with the Urban Renewal Authority and CLP Power, the initiative also introduced a “Kowloon City Deep Dive” map. 

This guide divides the district into five thematic routes—Chiu Thai Charm, Kowloon City Highlights, Historical Footprints, AR Tech Hotspots, and Light and Shadow Kowloon City—encouraging visitors and locals to explore the area’s distinctive appeal in depth.