Eased Covid rules benefit businesses during Christmas
Representatives from the catering and tourism sectors have said business improved significantly during the Christmas holiday period following the relaxation of Covid restrictions in Hong Kong.  Raymond Chui, president of the Institute of Dining Professionals, told an RTHK programme trade was bustling during the holiday season.  "There are a lot more people going out to spend," he said. "Many families are going out to see Christmas lights, spend and eat."  Meanwhile, Yuen Chun-ning, who is Executive Director of Worldwide Package Travel, said outbound travel had seen a V-shaped recovery since border restrictions were eased.  He said he believed the darkest period for the industry has passed.  "The situation has improved significantly in December," he said. "Airlines have also increased the number of flights. With the imminent re-opening of the border with the mainland, we hope travel will gradually resume next year and return to pre-Covid levels in 2024."  He added that he hoped the resumption of quarantine-free travel with the mainland would boost Hong Kong's economy and improve the city's job market.