Retailers see 30pc increase in revenue, urge govt continue hosting mega-events

The exhibition match between the MLS club Inter Miami and the Hong Kong team has led to a 20 to 30 percent increase in revenue for the retailers in Causeway Bay, wholesale and retail sector lawmaker Peter Shiu Ka-fai said.

He added that there has been a noticeable surge in visitor flow, indicating that large-scale events can attract citizens to go out.

Shiu said the current economic situation is average in Hong Kong, and the event did drove consumption despite the issues. He hoped that the government would not be discouraged but instead continue to organize more mega-events.

He believed such events would contribute to the recovery of various industries, including retail and dining.

Shiu understood that citizens were disappointed by Messi's absence from the match. However, he believed in the football star's character and that his fans would not want the Argentine to play reluctantly as it may worsen his injuries.