Hong Kong’s protests have soured the appetite of mainland Chinese travellers for the city during the “golden week” holiday, leaving tourism, retail and food sectors reeling ahead of the traditional peak period.
Industry heads predict a sharp year-on-year decline in business as tourist arrivals are expected to tumble around 30 per cent for the seven-day break following National Day on October 1. Restaurants expect a similar slump in turnover and hotel occupancy rates are likely to be slashed by half for the holiday week.