Catering industry says impact of July 1 deals and promotions below expectations

The deals and promotions including the 29 percent off offer on July 1 didn’t receive an overwhelming reaction from the public, according to a catering veteran, who expects another round of campaigns to be launched in celebration of National Day in October. 

Speaking on Tuesday, the Association for Hong Kong Catering Services Management chairman Leung Chun-wah said the promotions received different responses in different district. 

For districts that are rather remote, the response fell below expectations while famous tourism districts saw more citizens and tourists enjoy the special offers. 

He pointed out that tens of thousands of citizens traveled up north and the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link also opened, taking a huge cut from local spending power. 

According to data released by the Immigration Department, Hong Kong saw about 892,000 visits and departures as of 9 pm on Monday, including about 502,000 returning citizens. 

The Lo Wu border saw about 107,000 visitors and the Lok Ma Chau border about 93,000 visitors. 

Leung said the catering industry will launch and provide similar special offers and deals again in October to celebrate National Day. 

He expects there to be more mainland tourists coming to Hong Kong during the National Day Golden Week holidays to boost businesses.