HONG KONG, Feb. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest results of the 2016 Hong Kong Consumer Spending Pattern on Dining Survey conducted by ESDlife[1] to solicit insights on the needs, preferences and spending habits of Hong Kong's affluent, consumer spending continues to reflect the importance of dining out for the celebration of birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and other special occasions. The survey shows that consumers decide where to eat based on various criteria, with 668 out of 757 respondents (88 percent) most concerned with food quality and 402 respondents (53 percent) emphasizing price over other considerations such as atmosphere, service and location. For special occasions, Japanese cuisine proves to be the most popular (71 percent), though there is also a strong preference for Chinese (57 percent) and Italian (31 percent).
Not surprisingly, this survey also found that the majority of men in Hong Kong (74 percent) usually pick up the check, with only 29 percent of women preferring to settle the bill themselves. Generally speaking, these results correspond to the findings of the 2015 Visa Affluent Survey[2], in which 84 percent of respondents indicated that they set aside an average of HK$6,600 per month on discretionary spending, much of which is devoted to "dinner at fine-dining restaurants" (77 percent) and "a night out" (89 percent).
Given these findings, Visa is excited to announce its new 2016 collection of privileges and benefits available to Visa Platinum, Signature and Infinite cardholders. Made possible by the ongoing participation of some of the most acclaimed restaurants and merchants throughout Hong Kong and Macau, this year's offers are synonymous with the type of culinary indulgence and lifestyle privileges premium cardholders have come to expect from Visa. Below are some of the highlights:
Luxury Dining Discounts
Visa's all-inclusive package of complimentary meals and discounts at more than 40 fine dining establishments covers a wide array of the best cuisines from around the world. With few restrictions on time of day or exclusions for weekends and public holidays, these new dining offers are tailor-made for celebrating those special occasions which can't be missed.
Birthday Surprises
In addition to its year-round discounts, Visa's brand new birthday offers include a complimentary cake from Ava and Azure Restaurant Slash Bar, two of Hong Kong's preferred party venues offering cutting-edge modern cuisine and an extensive list of international wines, champagnes and creative cocktails. Not only can Visa Infinite and Visa Signature cardholders enjoy free wine from Isono Eatery & Wine, a hearty Mediterranean eatery perfect for romantic dinners, but also enjoy half-price discount at BruneBlonde salons in birthday month. What's more, Visa Infinite and Visa Signature cardholders shopping at Anglo Chinese Florist can enjoy instant access to VIP membership and enjoy 10 percent discount upon the first purchase.
Breathtaking Views
For those interested in spectacular views, Cucina, a traditional Italian restaurant in the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel set against a backdrop of the Victoria Harbour, offers a 15 percent discount on its full menu of authentic and contemporary cuisine, while ToTT's and Roof Terrace on the 34th floor of the Excelsior Hotel offers "buy one, get one free" dinner set against an exhilarating vista of the Hong Kong skyline. Cardholders whose tastes are more down to earth may also avail themselves of one of many other "buy one, get one free" lunch set at Cloudland Chinese Cuisine, a staple of Cantonese fusion best known for its frequent appearances on a popular Hong Kong television show.
Afternoon Teas and Weekend Buffets
Weekend buffets and "afternoon teas" are a popular pastime among Hong Kong people, and premium cardholders receive 15 percent off on the innovative all-you-can-eat buffets at Café Marco in the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel and Three on Canton in the Gateway Hotel, offering tempting selections of the world's most popular cuisines. Open daily, the atmospheric and inviting Lobby Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental Macau also offers a "buy one, get one free" afternoon tea set chosen from an extensive premium loose leaf tea menu, while diners at Vida Rica can enjoy a "buy one, get one free" three-course business lunch serving classic cuisine with a clever modern twist.
Kid-Friendly Dining
43 percent of all respondents to the 2016 Consumer Spending Pattern on Dining Survey are married couples with children, and families looking to take a weekend or holiday outing to the New Territories can now indulge in a complimentary afternoon tea buffet for their child (ages 11 and below) when they dine at Cafe in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Shatin. An all-day restaurant serving international fare, Cafe offers exciting buffets featuring Hong Kong's favourite steamed and wok-fried dishes as well as freshly baked pizza and pastas, and is in close proximity to the Hong Kong Chinese University and Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks.
Concierge Services
Visa Infinite cardholders enjoy access to a host of other services available 24 hours a day, over the phone or online and from anywhere in the world, including the Visa Concierge preferred dining network, which offers priority booking to the world's "100 Best Restaurants" as well as impromptu visits from the chef and other surprises.
Lifestyle Privileges
In addition to fine dining and other culinary discounts, Visa Infinite cardholders seeking a moment of relaxation can also enjoy an amazing array of VIP privileges at some of Hong Kong's most elite private clubs, including discounted access to the fitness facilities at the Hyatt Regency Shatin and Mandarin Oriental Macau, as well as a $500 discount on a Mira Plus (tier 1) membership, cash and meal vouchers worth over $3000 at The Mira Hong Kong in Kowloon.
Those preferring more family-oriented entertainment can also embark on a fun-filled day-trip to Disneyland or Ocean Park, where they will receive 12 percent off the full price of admission, or enjoy 15 percent off tickets to concerts organized by Hong Kong Sinfonietta, one of the city's flagship orchestras renowned for its passionate performances and innovative programming.
The Visa Explore App
All of these exciting offers are now available at cardholders' fingertips when they download the Visa Explore app from Apple's App Store and Google Play. A mobile application offering unlimited and personalized access to the latest local and overseas promotions worldwide, the Visa Explore app provides cardholders with the added benefit of checking the latest premium card offers on-the-go – an essential feature for Hong Kong residents who rely on their phones to make the most out of their dining experience.
Visa's complete 2016 premium platform offers can be found at www.visa.com.hk.
Terms and conditions apply. Visa and/or participating merchants may modify or vary offers and discounts at any time without prior notice.
[1] The 2016 Hong Kong Consumer Spending Pattern on Dining Survey is an online survey conducted by ESDlife in December 2015. 804 credit card holders with annual household incomes greater than HK$300,000 were surveyed.
[2] The 2015 Visa Affluent Survey is an online survey conducted by TNS Singapore in November and December 2014 to gain a better understanding of the spending attitudes and behavior of Hong Kong's affluent. 504 cardholders, aged 18 to 55, with annual household incomes greater than HK$480,000 were surveyed, with findings based on the respondents' answers concerning discretionary spending amounts and priorities with respect to nights out, fine dining, family holidays and designer goods.
About Visa
Visa is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable electronic payments. We operate one of the world's most advanced processing networks -- VisaNet -- that is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second, with fraud protection for consumers and assured payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa's innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: pay now with debit, pay ahead of time with prepaid or pay later with credit products. For more information, visit www.visa-asia.com, visaapnews.asia and @VisaNews.
Media Contact:
Kaman Ho
Director
Corporate Communications
Visa Hong Kong Limited
Tel: 2842 2321 / 9212 2045
Email: kamho@visa.com
Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160218/8521601002-a
Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160218/8521601002-b
