Speaking on an RTHK radio programme on Tuesday, catering sector lawmaker Jonathan Leung said that business during the Mid-Autumn Festival was better compared to last year.
He believes that the trend will continue into the National Day holiday that lasts from October 1 to 7, as less people are expected to head north.
“Of course, the mainland will be very crowded during the National Day holiday, so I believe northbound consumption will not be as high. Therefore, I think business will be a little better,” Leung said.
“We can also see what the market will be like if people don’t go north to spend. All in all, we are cautiously optimistic.”
He noted that restaurants such as Hong Kong-style cafes, those that are popular on social media and Michelin-starred ones, will benefit the most from the holiday.
Legislator Peter Shiu from the wholesale and retail sector told the same show that he believes sales figures across industries will surpass that of last year, thanks to events including the National Day fireworks display and the extended Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival at Victoria Park.
He noted that mainland visitors have been splurging less than before in recent years, though products such as gold, cosmetics and drugs remain popular.
Shiu also expressed the hope that visitors can visit attractions other than the usual hotspots of Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and Causeway Bay.
