Discounts and special offers were rolled out on Tuesday to celebrate national day, with movie theatres across Hong Kong offering tickets at half price, and at least 3,600 restaurants, stores, supermarkets and hotels offering discounts. Perks were also available at some shopping malls and wet market stalls. A man surnamed Shum said his family took advantage of the half-price movie tickets, calling it a great way to get Hongkongers and tourists out and about on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. "I think it's great because it gets more people to spend in Hong Kong, whether it's at restaurants, cinemas or other fun places. It should stimulate Hong Kong's economy and it gives families more places to go," he said. A German tourist surnamed Chall said she enjoyed the lively atmosphere, and the discounts came as a pleasant surprise. "Actually I haven't really heard about the discounts. I don't even know what all the regular prices are. It's probably a good thing," she said. And a local woman lining outside one of the restaurants offering discounts said the deals were a good thing. "It benefits everyone and revitalises the economy. If there weren't discounts, people would stay at home, wouldn't go out, and there would be less business. I will order a more expensive breakfast. I definitely will." People can also ride the tram and take many ferry routes for free on national day, including the Star Ferry. The MTR is giving passengers a 25 percent discount on most lines, as well as the Light Rail and its bus services. A local man surnamed Schiller, who attended a flag raising ceremony at City University, said the discounts and special offers definitely boosted morale. "I think it is a good idea. I like the idea. I was actually wondering why the MTR was so cheap this morning, and that's because of the discount," he said. "We are thinking about going to Lamma Island and going to a restaurant there and let's see what we can get." KMB, LWB and Citybus are also offering free rides for children. Separately, people can also use venues managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department for free for thirty minutes, though they need to book through a balloting system. But some people said a half-hour session was too short, while others thought that the time limitation would allow for more people to enjoy the facilities.
