Hong Kong catering sector saw at least 15% drop in business over Easter, says industry representative

Hong Kong’s catering sector saw an estimated drop of 15 to 20 per cent during the Easter break, an industry representative has said, as the city recorded more than 1.5 million resident departures between Ching Ming Festival on Wednesday and the long Easter weekend.

Simon Wong, president of Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants & Related Trades, said on RTHK on Monday that business at the city’s restaurants had been quiet, with a large amount of people going away during the long break.

Sheung Shui — File photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

The Immigration Department recorded 1.61 million Hong Kong resident departures between last Wednesday and Monday. In the same period, the city saw 455,926 visitor arrivals.

Wong said that the catering industry saw a drop in business when compared to the situation after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.

The sector recorded HK$230 million to HK$250 million daily turnover during the holiday, Wong said. However, the industry could usually expect to see daily turnover of more than HK$400 million during peak times, he added.

Eligible residents will receive HK$3,000 in consumption vouchers on Sunday. Wong said he hoped that could help boost spending.

(From left) Acting Government Chief Information Officer Tony Wong, Financial Secretary Paul Chan, and the Head (Policy Co-ordination) of the Financial Secretary's Private Office Howard Lee meeting the press on March 10, 2023 to announce details of the 2023 consumption voucher scheme. — (From left) Acting Government Chief Information Officer Tony Wong, Financial Secretary Paul Chan, and the Head (Policy Co-ordination) of the Financial Secretary’s Private Office Howard Lee meeting the press on March 10, 2023 to announce details of the 2023 consumption voucher scheme. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

Apart from a drop in businesses, Wong also said that the industry faced labour shortages, with premises potentially not being able to operate extended business hours.

Despite the upcoming “golden week” Labour Day holiday in mainland China, this year lasting from April 29 to May 3, Wong said Hong Kong may not see much of a boost to its economy.

“Even though Hong Kong has lifted all [Covid-19] restrictions, we are still met with considerable competition. Mainland visitors don’t necessary have to come to Hong Kong, they can choose other destinations,” Wong said.

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