Bars and restaurants in Lan Kwai Fong hosting countdown events have seen 80 to 90 percent of their reservations filled, with some even fully booked, according to Anthea Cheung So-may, director of the Lan Kwai Fong Association.
Speaking on a radio program on Wednesday (Dec 31), Cheung noted that Lan Kwai Fong has partnered with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) to offer New Year’s Eve dinner discounts and a "buy one, get one free" promotion on special drinks.
Early bird discounts are also available to encourage advance bookings and ensure a steady flow of visitors.
She predicted that the atmosphere would be vivacious on New Year’s Eve, as crowds from the countdown event on Chater Road are expected to head to Lan Kwai Fong afterward.
Many eateries and bars will extend their operating hours until 5 or 6am, with some staying open until 8am the following morning.
Meanwhile, Cheung pointed out that merchants in Lan Kwai Fong have adopted a more conservative pricing strategy for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, with some countdown parties or set menus priced even lower than before the pandemic. The approach aims to drive business through increased foot traffic, especially as local consumption has softened following the Tai Po fire and growing northbound travel trends.
She noted that European and American tourists generally have higher spending power and expressed hope that HKTB will actively promote more exhibitions and large-scale events to attract corporate and high-end visitors to Hong Kong.
Additionally, Timothy Chui Ting-pong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, said in the same program that a large number of mainland tourists are expected to arrive in Hong Kong to participate in festive activities, with some likely staying overnight.
