I am writing to express my view on The Peninsula hotel deciding to take shark fin dishes off its menu from the start of next year. I think other top hotels are likely to follow suit.
Shark fin is becoming less popular now. Shark fin was commonly served at parties because the older generation thought it was a symbol of wealth. But the younger generation has a different mindset, and wants to be environmentally friendly. Instead of having shark fin, hotels should be more innovative with their menus, and use bird's nest or abalone as alternatives.
Moreover, taking shark fin dishes off the menu will lower production costs. Shark fin is a costly ingredient, and cooking shark fin dishes is time-consuming.
Finally, hotels can enhance their reputation by not offering dishes that contain shark fins. Nowadays, many green groups are urging hotels and restaurants to stop selling shark fin delicacies.
It is clearly beneficial in many different ways for top hotels to stop serving shark fin.
Bobo Tam