Hotels Call For Greater Staycation Discounts

A Tourism Board promotion offering discounts for staycations at local hotels has been welcomed by the industry, though a representative said on Friday the promotion should be extended beyond its May deadline.

Hong Kong residents who spend more than HK$800 at restaurants or shops can enjoy a HK$500 discount when they book a staycation at selected local hotels.

They will be able to start booking their visit from April 9 at around 140 hotels, including some rated 5-stars. The promotion has a quota of 20,000 room bookings and will run until May 31.

Tourism Board executive director Dane Cheng said he hopes the promotion will encourage people to spend, and help the local food and retail sectors that have been hard hit by the city’s fourth wave of Covid-19 infections.

Michael Li, the executive director of the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, said the scheme will help hotels "a bit". But, he said, the promotional period is too short and should be extended until the end of the summer holidays.

Li also told RTHK that the Tourism Board should make use of its untapped resources to offer a greater discount.

"To enhance and promote the package, it is better to issue coupons and not only apply to accommodation but F&B as well," he said.

Li added that hotel occupancy rates over the Easter holidays are expected to hit at least 80 percent, which is "is much better than last year."