Night vibes fuel HK economic growth: chairman of Lan Kwai Fong

(ECNS) -- Night economy has boosted economic growth in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Allan Zeman, chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group, shared his insights in an exclusive interview with China News Network.

Zeman noticed that the HKSAR government launched the Night Vibes drive in mid-September, two weeks ahead of Mid-Autumn Festival and the weeklong National Day holiday break on the Chinese mainland, to set up street markets like the Night Market by The Sea at Tsim Sha Tsui, the front Waterfront Carnival at Wan Chai Harbour, and the K-Farm Mid-Autumn Night Market cum K-Fest Promenade Concert in Kennedy Town.

According to the statistics of the Hong Kong Immigration Department, during the eight-day holiday starting from the end of September this year, approximately 6,213,000 passengers crossed the mainland-Hong Kong border.

He attributed this success to the local government’s efforts in promoting night vibes.

Throngs of visitors snapped photographs against the iconic backdrop of the Lan Kwai Fong street sign and shared them on platforms like Weibo, TikTok and other social media.

"Night Vibes" in this context, offered an enticing appeal. According to Zeman, Lan Kwai Fong has seen a robust resurgence, with monthly growth figures soaring by approximately 20 percent since February.

Zeman's own social media presence, boasting over 10 million followers, allowed him to personally extend invitations to individuals, encouraging them to explore Hong Kong and experience the vibrant allure of Lan Kwai Fong.

He emphasized that "Lan Kwai Fong is always a night economy," where street DJs filled the air with entrancing beats, impromptu street dancing performances enthralled onlookers, and a myriad of bars and restaurants offered special discounts on delectable food and beverages.

In response to Hong Kong's competitive edge in its night economy, Zeman pointed to the city’s history and culture.

Beyond the beautiful harbors, great country parks, and idyllic beaches, Zeman identified an emerging trend: Chinese tourists seeking unique difference in Hong Kong.

Under the framework of “one country, two systems,” Hong Kong enjoys the privilege of possessing distinctive offerings that resonate with young tourists from the mainland, Zeman said.

According to Zeman, the Hong Kong government has announced it will promote a new cultural policy in the coming year, inviting artists to Hong Kong from the world, hold cultural events and sell cultural tourism to people to show that Hong Kong has a unique culture.

“So I think these are things Hong Kong has a bright future in that respect,” Zeman said.