Late, late show for movie buffs

Citizens can watch movies at 12 cinemas of Broadway Circuit at HK$50 after 9 pm, from last night to September 27, in support of the government's night-time economy initiative.

The cinema circuit also announced that tickets will cost only HK$35 for movies at its Mong Kok cinema after 11 pm.

But the discounts do not apply to movies played in the circuit's VIP theaters and tickets for 4DX movies, IMAX movies, special programs, movies related to film festivals and those under special arrangements with film distributors.

Sources said the government will kick off "Hong Kong night fun" next Thursday in which events will be launched until next year, while mainland workers will enjoy an eight-day "super golden week" between September 29 and October 6 for the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays.

The president of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, Allen Shi Lop-tak, suggested distributing night-time consumption vouchers to tourists, and giving free desserts or dining and drinks coupons to attract people to Lan Kwai Fong.

"Those vouchers can only be used after 9 pm," Shi said.

"The government has to be creative, such as holding sports and night-time football. They can invite international football teams from the Premier League or teams that play in the National Basketball Association to Hong Kong."

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-Chiu says the National Day fireworks will return at Victoria Harbour on October 1 after a five-year absence.

A government spokesman said yesterday the fireworks display will be held at 9pm, jointly sponsored by HKT Limited and FWD Life Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited.

The hotel sector hoped room occupancy could reach at least 90 percent and hotels would launch more special dishes and drinks.

"We will have a bunch of hotel discounts," said the executive director of the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, Caspar Tsui Ying-wai.

"But we are not talking about prices here. We are talking about the content such as special dishes and drinks, as well as tourist attractions. We have to be well prepared for all of these," he said.

He said Hong Kong also has many Michelin restaurants, which can be promoted.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Antiquities Advisory Board, Douglas So Cheung-tak, said members of the public and visitors could visit historical constructions at night or take part in activities such as music shows.

"Maybe we can organize some guided tours in places near Tai Ping Shan Street, or even to have tours themed as ghost stories at Tai Kwun as Halloween is coming at the end of next month," So said.

The Development Bureau will provide venues near the Wan Chai harbor front for large-scale activities.

Simon Wong Ka-wo, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, said the night market may have a better reception if it was held near Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter and should include familiar food brands.

He hoped the night market could become a tourist attraction.

sophie.hui@singtaonewscorp.com