Bars and clubs in Hong Kong have pinned their hopes on the Paris Olympics to give their sagging fortunes a boost. They are gearing up with promotions and special offers, including themed food and drink menus, as well as games and giveaways, in a bid to persuade people to enjoy some time out as they watch the world’s top athletes in action. Many are also expected to waive their usual cover charges, Chin Chun-wing, the chairman of the Hong Kong Bar and Club Association, said.
“Hong Kong’s nightlife economy has been in its worst state in 20 years,” he added. Chin said an emigration wave in recent years had shrunk the group of middle-class and high-spending consumers and more low- to middle-income residents had opted to spend weekends and holidays in cheaper Shenzhen, just across the border. But he said it was still hoped that one of the world’s biggest sporting events would help the trade strike gold.
“Although the Olympics this time will be available for everyone to watch, we do hope it can still drive up business by about 20 to 30 per cent,” he added. The government announced in April that it had bought the broadcasting rights for the Games, to be held between July 26 and August 11. The move will allow Hongkongers to watch the broadcasts on free-to-air stations TVB, ViuTV and Hoy TV, as well as public broadcaster RTHK, just as in 2021, when the government bought the broadcasting rights for the Tokyo Games.
Chin said because Paris is six hours behind Hong Kong, th.