More than 50 restaurants and shops in Hong Kong's Central district have joined a 'tourism everywhere' initiative to promote local delicacies and goods while offering discounts to residents and tourists. The programme, announced by the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association on Friday, runs from May 1 to the end of June, overlapping with mainland China's Labour Day golden week. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah said it would draw more visitors and boost spending.
The Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association announced on Friday a 'tourism everywhere' initiative, with more than 50 restaurants and shops in Central joining to promote hidden delicacies and goods.
The programme aligns with the government's aim to turn every area into a tourist destination and runs from May 1 until the end of June, with the first five days overlapping mainland China's Labour Day 'golden week' holiday.
The Immigration Department expects about 980,000 mainland visitors to enter Hong Kong between May 1 and 5, a 7 per cent increase from the same period last year. Participating merchants will offer discounts to residents and tourists, encouraging exploration of art, historical sites, local culture, and delicacies in the Central and Sheung Wan areas.
At the launch ceremony, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah said he expected the scheme to draw more tourists and residents.
"The initiative aims to leverage the collaboration between chambers of commerce and various stakeholders to pool resources, encourage small and medium-sized businesses in the community to offer discounts, attract more foot traffic and spending, stimulate business growth and allow residents and tourists to experience the unique characteristics of different communities and the charm of Hong Kong," he said.
