Hong Kong eateries target 6-8% growth with World Cup promotions
Time difference challenges overcome by replays, lucky draws, and free minibars.
Hong Kong’s catering industry is targeting 6 to 8 per cent business growth during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leveraging creative promotions to overcome the significant time difference between host cities (Canada, Mexico, US) and Hong Kong. Edward Leung Hei, chairman of the Hong Kong Feast and Retreat Association, outlined strategies on a Friday radio program: restaurants will offer discounts on beverages and snacks, broadcast match replays during happy hours, host lucky draws, and hotels may provide free minibar services to boost atmosphere. The tournament kicked off on Thursday, with the final scheduled for July 20 Hong Kong time.
Leung noted that the time difference remains a major hurdle, but the industry hopes to replicate gains seen during previous World Cups. The promotions aim to keep fans from traveling to mainland China for matches, instead spending locally. The 6-8% growth expectation mirrors past tournament boosts, and the sector is adapting with flexibility to attract customers despite less convenient kickoff times.
- Catering industry expects 6-8% sales growth during the World Cup.
- Measures include replay broadcasts, lucky draws, and free hotel minibar services.
- Time difference with host cities (Canada, Mexico, US) is a major challenge.
Why It Matters
Local businesses innovate to retain customers and compete with mainland travel during global events.