Paris 2024 Olympics boosts Hong Kong's catering industry

Thanks to the free live streams, the catering industry surged 20%.

The Paris Olympic Games boosted the catering industry by approximately 20%, with citizens choosing to stay in Hong Kong and spend money.

"During this period, the catering industry has enjoyed profitability as many citizens have been going out and visiting shopping malls,” he explained. “There has been a significant increase in customers dining out earlier than usual," said Simon Wong, President of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants & Related Trades.

The government obtained television broadcasting rights for the Paris Olympic Games and the upcoming Paralympic Games, allowing residents to watch the live streams free of charge.

The bar industry is also capitalising on the Olympic excitement, with one establishment acquiring a fencing game console to allow customers to try it out for themselves.

The industry indicated that the bar business has registered an average increase of about 15% during the Olympics. 

Chin Chun-wing, Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar & Club Association, explained that in residential areas, some customers are opting to watch events in bars due to space constraints at home.

Reservations have increased by about 10%, whilst walk-in customers have risen by 5% to 10%. Even delivery platforms have reported a 10% to 15% surge in business during the period.