China News Service, Hong Kong, December 24 (Reporter Shi Bingyun) Despite the severe epidemic, the Christmas atmosphere in Hong Kong is still strong.
However, in the context of tightening epidemic prevention measures, shopkeepers estimate that this Christmas and New Year consumption season is not as "happy" as Christmas songs.
With the advent of Christmas, Hong Kong’s Christmas atmosphere is becoming more and more intense. Shopping malls and hotels, large and small, arrange various Christmas decorations as usual.
The K11MUSEA mall in Tsim Sha Tsui made the Christmas tree golden this year, and the five golden trees are covered with warm yellow lights, which is full of artistic sense.
The citizens kept taking pictures under the trees, and the golden lights were projected on the people, causing the onlookers to admire: "It's so beautiful!"
Ms. Chen and her friends came here specially to "check in", "I heard people say that the photos taken by this Christmas tree are very beautiful." She said that the Christmas atmosphere in Hong Kong has never been bad. Although there is a "restriction order" this year, it is in shopping malls. The atmosphere on Christmas Day has not diminished.
A reporter from China News Agency saw in Causeway Bay that red and green "MerryChristmas" stickers, cute cartoon dolls and Santa Claus, as well as eye-catching discount information of various businesses could be seen everywhere in many shopping malls.
Many passers-by carry shopping bags with gift boxes, and many people in the supermarket are busy shopping.
Mr. Li said that he purchased Christmas gifts and party ingredients for friends after get off work.
He said that because his family is doing business in the mainland, he will spend the festival together at home this year. “There will not be many people. I believe that quiet chat is also a good experience.”
The current social distancing measures in Hong Kong include the ban on dinning after 6pm, the continued closure of party rooms, bars, etc., the "restriction order" for two people and the renewal of the mask order. The measures will be effective until January 6 next year.
Huang Jiahe, chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Catering Industry Association, told a reporter from China News Agency that under the restrictions on gatherings this year, it is expected that the turnover will be reduced by 65% compared with normal conditions.
He said that the catering industry had very good business in the past December because of important holidays such as the winter solstice, Christmas and New Year.
Huang Jiahe pointed out that under normal circumstances, the industry's turnover in December can reach 11-12 billion yuan (Hong Kong dollars, the same below), and it is estimated that it will lose 8 billion yuan this year.
"In the past, the business volume on Christmas Day could reach 450 million yuan, and this year it is expected to be only 200 million yuan." Because many pre-booked celebrations have been cancelled, western restaurants and hotels can only do a little business with takeaway, which accounts for only about 30%.
Among them, Chinese restaurants are the most affected. "Many companies have cancelled annual meetings and banquets, and the losses in this part are as high as 90%."
"It is obvious that the flow of people has been reduced, and the number of customers has been reduced by at least half." Mr. Wu, the manager of a western restaurant, told a reporter from China News Agency that the western restaurant is basically ready to close at four or five o'clock after the ban on dinner.
Now the number of takeaways is very limited, and he expects the overall revenue in December to decrease by 60% compared with the previous year.
Mr. Wu said that the restaurant has anticipated that the government will extend social distancing measures until Christmas and New Year.
"Christmas is actually very important to us. (Customers) come to the western restaurant to feel the atmosphere, but now there is no way." He pointed to the sparkling Christmas tree behind him.
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