Businesses in Hong Kong are using every trick in the book to navigate difficult economic waters and a fresh wave of closures, with some adopting strategies such as carrying out large-scale renovations and tapping into other markets.
Julian Wipper, general manager of the New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, said the venue had undergone a five-month renovation of its lounge and cellar to entice locals and tourists alike.
While he stopped short of revealing the cost of the revamp, Wipper said the money was “significant”, with the “state-of-the-art” cellar now holding more than 1,000 labels of rare and classic vintages going for competitive prices.
Patrons could drink the wine on the premises or take bottles home, creating “a strong value proposition for both tourists and local wine lovers alike”, he said, adding the hotel expected to convince some residents to stay in the city to dine instead of going over to the border for a night out.
As part of its strategy, the hotel would host regular wine-related events such as tastings, dinners and classes, while the newly renovated space could become a versatile venue for occasions ranging from business networking to social gatherings, he said.
“The Lounge and Vin et Vin cellar is our creative answer to a currently challenging [food and beverage] market,” Wipper said.
