<div id="readability-page-1">Hong Kong’s catering sector and hoteliers are expecting a business boost during the Labour Day “golden week” holiday from May 1 to 5, with industry leaders hoping the growing trend of mainland Chinese visitors hiking and sailing yachts will bring a windfall to seafood restaurants in Sai Kung and the outlying islands. The industry leaders also said on Wednesday that rising tensions in the Middle East, which have pushed up fuel surcharges, had inadvertently benefited Hong Kong, as mainland travellers increasingly opt for shorter, more economical regional trips over costly overseas destinations. Samme Cheng Pak-man, vice-chairman of catering trade body the Institute of Dining Professionals, said the industry expected a 5 per cent year-on-year increase in business, adding that establishments were diversifying their offerings to cater to mainland visitors’ preferences. “Mainland visitors seem to prefer Southeast Asian or Western food, and operators are offering holiday menus. We are seeing the most growth among mid-range spenders, those willing to spend between HK$500 and HK$1,000,” Cheng said, adding that such reservations were up about 3 per cent compared with the same period last year. Cheng also said that the growing popularity of hiking in Sai Kung among mainland tourists was expected to boost business for nearby seafood restaurants. “While there has not been a notable increase in advance table reservations at those establishments, operators have ramped up manpower to cope with an influx of walk-in customers,” he said. Edward Leung Hei, a former lawmaker and chairman of the Hong Kong Feast and Retreat Association, said a one-hour voyage from Zhuhai had brought a surge of mainland yachts to areas such as Lamma Island and Lei Yue Mun. “Local restaurateurs report that these high-spending visitors often spend about HK$2,000 per head on premium seafood such as abalone, lobster and caviar, generating more revenue from just a few tables than a full house,” Leung said.  Currently, visiting yachts entering Hong Kong must complete port formalities with the marine, immigration, health and customs departments through a local agent. Unlike other vessels, yachts are not required to dock at designated immigration anchorages. Instead, a local agent must complete procedures with the Immigration Department’s Harbour Control Section within 24 hours of arrival and before departure. Authorities earlier expected mainland visitor arrivals to rise by 7 per cent year on year to about 980,000 during the five-day holiday period. Leung, also chairman of HKC Group, the operator of the Hilton Garden Inn Hong Kong Mong Kok, said the hotel’s room bookings for the first four days of the holiday period had already reached 90 per cent, in line with last year, while room rates had risen by 8 to 10 per cent. Caspar Tsui Ying-wai, executive director of the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, said he expected occupancy in major tourist districts to reach 90 per cent throughout the holiday, adding that visitors were more likely to wait until just before departure to confirm their plans. “We anticipate strong growth in mainland Chinese visitor arrivals this year,” he said. “While non-mainland markets are navigating external pressures such as rising fuel costs and airline capacity adjustments, these factors are driving mainland visitors towards mature destinations such as Hong Kong with shorter travel times.” Annie Tse Yau On-yee, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, said mainland visitors were more likely to choose nearby destinations for short stays. “From a retail perspective, tourists’ spending power remains weak. But given the volume of visitors, we believe there will be a boost in tourist districts, particularly in areas such as Tsim Sha Tsui,” Tse said. According to a poll conducted by the association, more than 60 per cent of surveyed member companies expect business growth ranging from single digits to low double digits compared with last year. More than 20 per cent of respondents expect performance to remain flat, while just over 10 per cent foresee a decline, likely within a single-digit range. </div>

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<p>Hong Kong's catering and hotel sectors anticipate a boost during the Labour Day "golden week" from May 1 to 5, driven by an influx of mainland Chinese tourists engaging in hiking and yacht sailing. Industry leaders expect a 5% year-on-year business increase, with restaurants diversifying menus to cater to these visitors. Despite rising fuel costs due to Middle East tensions, Hong Kong is becoming a preferred regional destination. Hotel bookings are strong, with expectations of 90% occupancy in tourist areas, while retail spending may see modest growth due to the volume of visitors.</p>

Yacht tourists, hikers drive ‘golden week’ optimism for Hong Kong eateries