HK sees catering slump as diners flock north amid Ching Ming Festival

A catering industry veteran lamented that business and the number of patrons were down by 10 to 20 percent from last year during the three-day Ching Ming Festival long weekend, with a dim outlook for Easter.

Leung Chun-wah, chairman of the Association For Hong Kong Catering Services Management, said: “Many people took advantage of the break to travel north for tomb-sweeping or leisure, which indirectly impacted the restaurant sector.”

He was not optimistic about the catering business during the upcoming Easter holiday, expressing hope that the government would ramp up tourism promotion.

This came as businesses on the outlying island of Cheung Chau, the traditional venue for the annual Bun Festival known for its seafood restaurants and sandy beaches, expressed mixed feelings about an increase in footfall during the holidays.

On Sunday, a long queue formed at the Central Pier for ferries to the island, with passengers waiting up to 20 minutes to board. During peak hours, an express ferry reached 90 percent capacity, with nearly all upper-deck seats occupied.

A mainland student studying in Hong Kong said she found the atmosphere in Cheung Chau lively and enjoyable, with plenty of street food to try, estimating she would spend a few hundred dollars. 

A Hongkonger said he took the last day of the weekend to pay respects at a cemetery on Cheung Chau.

During the three-day holiday, he stayed in the city, spending money locally and playing mahjong with friends, hoping to help “boost the economy.”

A baker selling Cheung Chau’s iconic “Ping On” steamed buns said he saw a 10 to 20 percent increase in revenue, but noticed that there were more local visitors than mainland tourists.

He anticipated that this year’s Bun Festival parade on May 5 -- coinciding with the public holiday for Buddha’s Birthday -- would draw more visitors and generate revenue comparable to typical levels.

However, a handicraft store owner, who has run her business for decades, said revenue dropped by half compared to the pandemic times. She said the locals mainly came to visit the graves of their ancestors, many leaving without staying a bit longer to dine or shop.

The city saw over 270,000 inbound crossings at its border control points as of 4 pm on Sunday, with over 180,000 Hong Kong residents returning home at the end of the long weekend.

(Jamie Liu)