Catering and retail industries have said they are optimistic about the upcoming National Day Golden Week holiday, expressing the hope that residents will spend more locally.

Speaking on an RTHK radio programme on Tuesday, catering sector lawmaker Jonathan Leung said that business during the Mid-Autumn Festival was better compared to last year.

He believes that the trend will continue into the National Day holiday that lasts from October 1 to 7, as fewer people are expected to head north.

“Of course, the mainland will be very crowded during the National Day holiday, so I believe northbound consumption will not be as high. Therefore, I think business will be a little better,” Leung said.

“We can also see what the market will be like if people don't go north to spend. All in all, we are cautiously optimistic.”

He noted that restaurants such as Hong Kong-style cafes, those that are popular on social media and Michelin-starred ones, will benefit the most from the holiday.

Legislator Peter Shiu from the wholesale and retail sector told the same show that he believes sales figures across industries will surpass that of last year, thanks to events including the National Day fireworks display and the extended Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival at Victoria Park.

He noted that mainland visitors have been splurging less than before in recent years, though products such as gold, cosmetics and drugs remain popular.

Shiu also expressed the hope that visitors can visit attractions other than the usual hotspots of Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and Causeway Bay.

Simon Wong, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, said demand for National Day reservations has been high, noting that people wish to secure a spot to enjoy the fireworks display.

Many of the those who made a reservation are from the mainland, he said.

"The bookings at the moment have already reached about 80 percent. And for some well-known restaurants – especially [those] with views [that] can directly see the fireworks – the booking has been full."
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Last updated: 2026-09-29 HKT 12:09



Edited by Aaron Tam