HK Decked Out but Not Enticing Visitors

All decked out by no people coming through in Hong Kong

Friends are reporting a lot of people on the streets of Hong Kong, but in terms of data, the Christmas season has been really quiet, with business slowing down significantly compared to last year when Covid-19 restrictions were still in place.

This Christmas more than 1.32 million outbound trips were recorded over the past three days, almost triple the number of visitor arrivals. Of the visitors who entered Hong Kong, 77 percent were from the mainland.

HK venues not big enough for Swift and Swifties

Anthea Cheung So-may, director of the Lan Kwai Fong Association, called for the government to hold more large-scale concerts and invite global star singers and bands to perform to attract more overseas tourists.

However, the national security law implemented in 2020 has made the city less desirable a place for artists to perform in, and also for international stars like Taylor Swift, they are looking for cities with venues large enough to hold their fans, which Hong Kong does not have at all. 

Meanwhile retail sector legislator Peter Shiu Ka-fai said the industry was affected by Hongkongers flying elsewhere for Christmas, while the holiday was not celebrated by mainlanders, and so not many crossed the border to shop.

"... overall, both the world economy and the Hong Kong economy are average... The spending power of mainland tourists was not as strong as before 2018," said Shiu.

Decorated malls not enough to entice shoppers

He called for the government to create more activities, events and offers to entice shoppers, both locals and visitors to spend in the city. Shiu asked for service to improve, particularly having a more friendly attitude towards customers.

This is tough when you feel like the situation is bleak... that said Hongkongers have that "Lion Rock spirit" and must persevere though this tough patch if they want the city to survive long term.