Over 3,000 restaurants to offer discounts on July 1st

More than 3,000 restaurants and merchants will offer special discounts on July 1st as part of celebrations for the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR.

Maurice Kong, chairman of the Institute of Fine Dining, said the promotional programme had continued to gain popularity among businesses in Hong Kong.

"More and more [establishments], especially small restaurants, would like to join these promotions," he said.

"For small restaurants, even though the profit margin is not that positive, they are willing to offer discounts just because they want to draw the attention of the public."

He also said these promotions were expected to attract increased spending from local residents.

"After four years, local people know that within this period, they will enjoy a big discount. Let them stay in Hong Kong and spend money instead of spending money in other cities."

Additionally, Kong said these discounts would not only be attractive to local residents, but also tourists in Hong Kong.

This, he said, would increase the profits of participating eateries.

"Tourists normally will spend more than the normal spending. They will order maybe one or two more dishes [than local residents], meaning their average spending will be higher."

While some stores would only offer discounts on July 1st, a number of eateries would continue to offer discounts further into July.

Edited by Tony Sabine ...