Vendors cheer sales boom as visitors can stay until midnight at Wine and Dine Festival

On the third day of the Wine and Dine Festival, weekend crowds have surpassed weekday attendance. Vendors report strong sales, and the Tourism Board has announced flexible arrangements allowing guests to stay past midnight.

As the Wine and Dine Festival enters the weekend, many visitors are eager to enjoy a drink. Even before sunset, the Central Harbourfront is filled with wine enthusiasts.

For the first time, operating hours have been extended by half an hour, until midnight.

Local resident Joyce said, "I think the atmosphere so far is pretty good. I can see everyone is very willing to buy food and wine. I really enjoy it."

A Hungarian tourist said, "First time ever, I am just suprise how big it is. It's a big selection of whole world wine. It's my first time trying wine from georgia. I tried a couple chinese wine which is I am not familiar with it."

The Grand Wine Pavilion has made a return, featuring nearly 500 premium wines - all priced above HK$700, with many exceeding ten thousand dollars. These selections come from top chateaus in Bordeaux and other countries, including China.

Exhibitors have reported exceptionally strong sales.

Exhibitor Peter said, "I think the turnout rate seems to be much better than expectation. There are lots of people coming in. Especially on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, a lot of people like locals and visitors are coming to the Wine and Dine Festival."

And where there's fine wine, there is gourmet food.

Several local hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants are showcasing Hong Kong's top-tier culinary offerings.

The Tourism Board has stated that flexible arrangements will be in place, allowing attendees to stay past midnight and enjoy the festivities to the fullest.