Handover anniversary discounts galore

Hong Kong is marking the 29th handover anniversary tomorrow.

A slew of discounts and special offers have been rolled out by the government, restaurant operators and retailers.

Representatives from the catering sector, including lawmaker Jonathan Leung and catering industry leader Tommy Cheung, visited a restaurant in Taikoo this week ahead of the handover celebrations.

The restaurant sector is launching anniversary promotions for the fourth consecutive year, with more than 3,400 eateries participating on July 1.

Among them is a restaurant offering a 29 percent discount on the entire bill, allowing customers to dine at 71 per cent of the regular price.

Restaurant operators said they had arranged sufficient manpower and hoped the promotions would help boost business.

The Hong Kong Retail Management Association has also launched a month-long promotional campaign.

A number of government-supported concessions will again be available.

In transportation, the MTR Corporation will give away 71,000 local single-journey tickets through its mobile app.

From July to August, children aged 11 or below can travel free on the Airport Express, while passengers aged 60 or above and students will enjoy half-price fares.

Some ferry operators will hand out free ferry tickets on July 1, while passengers celebrating their birthday on the day can enjoy free rides.

Free rides too from Hong Kong Tramways for three consecutive days.

Ngong Ping 360 will offer Hong Kong residents 50 percent off all round-trip cable car tickets on July 1.

Round-trip Peak Tram tickets will be available at a 15 percent discount throughout the day.

Leisure and Cultural Services Department facilities, including sports grounds and public swimming pools, will be open free of charge.

There will be free admission to permanent exhibitions at the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Space Museum, as well as the Hong Kong Wetland Park.

At the M+ Museum, selected exhibitions will be free to the public, while all special exhibitions at the Hong Kong Palace Museum will offer complimentary admission on July 1.