'Spending pattern shifting in Lan Kwai Fong'

A bar industry representative on Wednesday said the sector is confident in making a strong showing over the holiday period, with reservations through New Year’s Eve reaching over 80 percent. Speaking on an RTHK programme, the director of the Lan Kwai Fong Association, Anthea Cheung, said business during Christmas Eve was better than last year, and that there's a noticeable change in spending pattern. “Lan Kwai Fong has always been a high-spending area. We still see customers are eager to spend, whether they’re from the mainland, local, or abroad. For example, those who book rooms show strong spending,” she said. “But this year, to appeal to a broader audience, we’ve rolled out more affordable packages, including all-you-can-eat deals, which weren’t common in Central restaurants before. Clearly, customer consumption habits are shifting.” Cheung pointed out that the big spenders remain expats and foreigners, who account for 40 percent of visitors. She also said she noticed more people with suitcases in the area. “It's quite rare to see people travelling with suitcases in Lan Kwai Fong because it’s mainly for catering and entertainment, not shopping,” she said. “We didn't interview them, but maybe it's because multi-entry visas for Shenzhen residents have been brought back. Their suitcases weren't too big, so they might have just come for a meal or a drink, to experience the atmosphere without spending a night in Hong Kong.” Cheung added that the industry can't rest on laurels and needs to continue to improve and aim to retain inbound travellers.