18th September 2023 – (Hong Kong) Looking to revive the night-time economy, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has unveiled a host of new events and initiatives set to roll out over the coming months. Chief among these is a planned distribution of one million dining vouchers worth HK$100 each, intended to encourage visitors to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Dubbed “Hong Kong Night Treats”, the vouchers can be spent on food and drink bills racked up at participating bars and restaurants after 6pm. They will be distributed free to inbound travellers this November on a first-come-first-served basis. Officials expect the subsidy to provide a much-needed boost for the food and beverage industry, which has struggled in recent years amid political unrest and the pandemic.
In addition to the vouchers, open-top bus sightseeing tours offering panoramic city views at night will operate between November and January at the heavily discounted price of just HK$20. Routes take in top attractions across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Officials hope the initiative will encourage tourists to extend their stay into the evenings.
The Tourism Board is also coordinating a series of signature cultural performances and festivals slated for the months ahead. This includes the spectacular Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, returning after a four-year absence during the Mid-Autumn Festival in late September. The event sees ten fire dragons danced through the streets of Tai Hang.
In late October, the highly anticipated Wine & Dine Festival comes to the harbourfront. Spanning four days, over 300 wineries from 36 countries will be featured alongside international cuisine. New offerings include Finnish and Moldovan varieties alongside Thai dishes. Over 100 food stalls are expected to entice eventgoers.
With Halloween approaching, the city will be decorated with pumpkin lanterns and decorations, particularly in areas like Central, Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui to create a fun atmosphere. Popular eateries will roll out special menus through November as part of the ‘Taste Around Town’ campaign to add excitement.
Hong Kong’s famed WinterFest returns too, lighting up Victoria Harbour with a giant Christmas tree alongside other illuminations and a New Year’s fireworks display. Officials hope the events will keep visitors experiencing the city well into the night.