Hong Kong’s catering sector and hoteliers are expecting a business boost during the Labour Day “golden week” holiday from May 1 to 5, with industry leaders hoping the growing trend of mainland Chinese visitors hiking and sailing yachts will bring a windfall to seafood restaurants in Sai Kung and the outlying islands.

The industry leaders also said on Wednesday that rising tensions in the Middle East, which have pushed up fuel surcharges, had inadvertently benefited Hong Kong, as mainland travellers increasingly opt for shorter, more economical regional trips over costly overseas destinations.

Samme Cheng Pak-man, vice-chairman of catering trade body the Institute of Dining Professionals, said the industry expected a 5 per cent year-on-year increase in business, adding that establishments were diversifying their offerings to cater to mainland visitors’ preferences.

“Mainland visitors seem to prefer Southeast Asian or Western food, and operators are offering holiday menus. We are seeing the most growth among mid-range spenders, those willing to spend between HK$500 and HK$1,000,” Cheng said, adding that such reservations were up about 3 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Cheng also said that the growing popularity of hiking in Sai Kung among mainland tourists was expected to boost business for nearby seafood restaurants.

“While there has not been a notable increase in advance table reservations at those establishments, operators have ramped up manpower to cope with an influx of walk-in customers,” he said.