Are Hongkongers getting more romantic? Money spent on Valentine’s Day climbs by almost two thirds, according to Mastercard’s Love Index
- The city’s loved-up couples spent 62 per cent more on Valentine’s Day last year than they did in 2016, according to the Mastercard study
It seems Hongkongers are getting more romantic.
The city’s loved-up couples spent almost two thirds more money on Valentine’s Day last year than they did in 2016, according to a survey by global payments company Mastercard.
The 62 per cent increase was the third biggest in Asia, after China and Japan which saw 88 per cent and 68 per cent growth, respectively, in the two-year period.
Released on Thursday, the annual Mastercard Love Index analysed credit, debit and prepaid card transactions during the Valentine’s Day period of February 11-14, between 2016 and 2018.
The index did not provide figures, just the growth in spending as a percentage. But another survey by Mastercard last year showed Hongkongers spent an average of HK$1,800 (US$231) on their significant other, which was the third largest amount in the region after China and Taiwan.
Though it originated in Europe as a Christian feast, Valentine’s Day is a big deal in Asia where traditional gestures like showering loved ones with chocolates and flowers, booking restaurant dinners and hotel retreats are commonplace.