Tourism and catering sector representatives shared positive news about business activities during the National Day holiday, also known as Golden Week. According to Perry Yiu, a tourism sector lawmaker, over 820,000 mainland tourists visited Hong Kong since October 1. This influx of tourists led to over 90 percent of hotel rooms being booked, exceeding expectations. Yiu also mentioned that more than 1,000 tour groups are expected to visit Hong Kong during the Golden Week period.
Simon Wong, the president of the Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, expressed optimism about the catering sector’s performance during this period. He anticipated that the sector’s business figures could surpass HK$300 million. Wong highlighted that the number of mainland tourists visiting Hong Kong was significantly higher than usual, contributing to the sector’s success. Additionally, the increase in mainland tourists also positively impacted the Hang Seng Index, boosting the spending power of Hong Kong residents.
However, not all aspects of the Golden Week celebrations went as planned. Drone shows that were supposed to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China were cancelled due to unfavorable atmospheric conditions. This left some tourists disappointed with the arrangements. Yiu suggested that authorities and organizers should have contingency plans in place and improve communication with the audience to prevent such disappointments in the future.
The success of businesses during Golden Week showcases the importance of strategic planning and effective communication in optimizing opportunities presented by increased tourism. The collaboration between the tourism and catering sectors, as well as the government and organizers, is crucial in ensuring a positive experience for both tourists and locals during such peak periods. Moving forward, continuous efforts to enhance preparedness and customer satisfaction will be key to maintaining and further improving business success during similar events.
