Deals galore to mark July 1

Adelyn Lau

All tram and MTR light rail rides, as well as MTR bus trips running in the northwestern New Territories, will be free on July 1, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said.

Additionally, children aged three to 11 will be able to ride the MTR for free.

Speaking ahead of the Executive Council meeting yesterday, Lee said the government, along with organizations, will introduce a range of discounts on the 27th anniversary of the handover.

Hongkongers can also enjoy free rides on various ferry routes, with over 2,000 vouchers to be distributed in advance.

Free access will be provided to permanent exhibitions at the Science and Space museums, themed exhibitions at the Museum of Art, M+ Museum and Palace Museum, as well as Wetland Park.

Ocean Park will offer discounted full-day tickets of up to 30 percent, while Ngong Ping 360 will provide round-trip standard cable car tickets for children and seniors at less than 30 percent of regular prices. Various indoor and outdoor leisure facilities will be provided by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department for free.

Over 1,000 eateries will be offering promotions, and residents can enjoy a 29 percent discount from July 1 to 7 when purchasing some products from the Fish and Vegetable marketing organizations.

The Environmental Protection Department plans to provide extra Green$ rewards for recycling and food waste recycling during July.

The Police Souvenir Gallery Pop-up Store will open for longer hours on July 1, and the force will give away commemorative model cars on social media.

"There are countless special offers to celebrate the return of Hong Kong, and government departments and organizations will provide details later. I wish everyone a happy and joyful celebration of the 27th anniversary of the establishment of the Special Administrative Region," Lee said.

Tommy Cheung Yu-yan, who represents the catering sector in the Legislative Council, expects nearly 3,000 eateries to provide discounts on July 1.

"Regardless of whether it is set meals, a la carte or even drinks, [restaurants] will be showing they are jumping on the bandwagon and what products they are putting on at 29 percent off," he said.

"I hope we can get more Hongkongers to stay in the SAR for consumption, and I hope people will be able to find discounts in restaurants across all 18 districts no matter if they are eating breakfast, lunch or dinner."

Cheung also said the industry will not be aiming for profits on that day but rather at creating a celebratory atmosphere for the occasion.

This will be the second consecutive year the government has rolled out food, beverage and transport discounts in conjunction with different sectors, with officials lauding the positive response.