Lan Kwai Fong expects monster finish to Halloween

Hong Kong's premier nightlife district, Lan Kwai Fong, anticipates a significant surge in business this Halloween, marking the most eventful celebration in recent years. According to Anthea Cheung, the association director, turnover has already risen by 30 to 40 percent over the past two weekends. The boost in activity can be attributed to the Tourism Board's inaugural Hong Kong Halloween Month, which generated substantial festive buzz and drew higher-than-anticipated interest.

Locals continue to make up around 70 percent of the visitors in this district, where Halloween festivities typically unfold. The remaining patrons are a mix of domestic and international visitors. The influx from the Greater Bay Area has surged, facilitated by easier cross-border travel, with many of them opting to party in Lan Kwai Fong.

In response to the anticipated demand, bars and restaurants have kept a few tables open for walk-ins, as reservations are already filled. Cheung revealed that the district expects a 50 percent increase in footfall on Halloween night, which falls on a weekend, adding to the festivities. Merchants have stocked ample beverages and snacks to cater to the celebratory mood.

Looking ahead, the association is pushing for more comprehensive travel packages that include hotels, dining, and transportation to encourage visitors to extend their stay and spend more. As Lan Kwai Fong prepares to manage the expected crowds, immigration authorities conducted inspections at Huanggang Port and Shenzhen Bay Control Point in anticipation of a late-night outbound peak on Halloween weekend.

The Immigration Department encouraged travelers seeking expedited crossings to avoid peak hours and emphasized that the department is coordinating with public transport operators to enhance service frequency.