Should I stay or should I go - Hong Kong [protests]

[Pleb Status]

I would have thought it was a little too early to launch a PR campaign at this stage, considering the protests are still ongoing.

But I am not a politician....

Hong Kong protests: government fails to find PR firm to rescue battered image

Eight companies turned down opportunity because it would harm their reputations

www.theguardian.com

 

[Isochronous]

I would have thought it was a little too early to launch a PR campaign at this stage, considering the protests are still ongoing.

But I am not a politician....

Hong Kong protests: government fails to find PR firm to rescue battered image

Eight companies turned down opportunity because it would harm their reputations

www.theguardian.com

Competency and logic are not strong suits of the current administration!

 

[p--and--t]

I would have thought it was a little too early to launch a PR campaign at this stage, considering the protests are still ongoing.

But I am not a politician....

Hong Kong protests: government fails to find PR firm to rescue battered image

Eight companies turned down opportunity because it would harm their reputations

www.theguardian.com

Marketers (and lawyers) are renowned for going where other fears to tread, but there is always a line even they won't cross.

Unfortunately HKG is going to be a mess for a while with the CPC breathing down the neck of, and pulling the strings of, the puppet administration.

 

[Lynda2475]

Doesn't seem to be something that is going to be resolved in near term. I was going to wait it out a bit longer but am now wondering if I shouldn't just cut my losses, cancel my classic reward and refundable hotel booking and start looking for alternative destination for Xmas shutdown period which will likely now need to be domestic given short notice, if I have any chance of using points, and keeping a lid on accomodation costs.

 

[Hvr]

start looking for alternative destination for Xmas shutdown period

This is why you should start looking now. Also, ask if QF will waive the change fees noting what is happening in HKG SAR PRC.

 

[harvyk]

Doesn't seem to be something that is going to be resolved in near term. I was going to wait it out a bit longer but am now wondering if I shouldn't just cut my losses, cancel my classic reward and refundable hotel booking and start looking for alternative destination for Xmas shutdown period which will likely now need to be domestic given short notice, if I have any chance of using points, and keeping a lid on accomodation costs.

I would still go, just avoid large crowds and be prepared to change your plans on the day.

I'm about to post up the trip report I did from my trip there the weekend before last.

 

[whughes3]

I have just booked a trip to Hongkong for next month; my advice from my contacts there was that I am unlikely to experience any problems.

Interestingly, QF currently has an "Asia Sale" fare promotion going (ends 20/9) but it does NOT include HKG!

 

[AIRwin]

Interestingly, QF currently has an "Asia Sale" fare promotion going (ends 20/9) but it does NOT include HKG!

No China either...

 

[joyjoy22]

I can see some airfare sale heading to Hongkong and I am bit tempted to book a flight yet I am scared that I might get stuck due to the rally. One of my friends had a canceled flight heading back home as the protest took place at the airport.

 

[mrsterryn]

Husband has a quick trip to London on Monday. Cathay was far and away the cheapest
Especially considering the time frame.
Under 6500 for business Syd to LHR and PE back

 

[Lynda2475]

Alternative wise there isnt much to choose from there is TSV or CNS but its cyclone and stinger season, PER but i went there last xmsa break or MEL which visit all the time for work. Maybe I'll wait a little longer in case points increase opens something else up.

With less demand for HKG im also worried plane will get downgraded to one without PE and that i'll end up in Y without adequate compensation.

 

[Pleb Status]

Assuming a few loose ends are tied up in the next day or so, I plan to be in HKG for all of next week.

My only niggling concern is getting back to the airport next Sunday. I plan to go to the airport far earlier than normal (if media reports indicate there may be a problem) and just camp out in the SilverKris lounge for a few hours if required...

My biggest 'issue' at the moment is how low I want to go (from a price prospective) with the accommodation. I always stay 'cheap and cheerful' but prices are currently a good 30%-50% lower than what I would normally pay for the hotels I have stayed at previously. Some hotels that I have not stayed at previously could be up to 70% lower than normal (and I am talking street price here, not the fairyland rack rates).

 

[mrsterryn]

So time for treating yourself @Pleb Status ?

 

[Pleb Status]

So time for treating yourself @Pleb Status ?

Nope... too much of a tight a@#e!

I would rather save the cash so I can go on another trip later in the year. I would actually like to extend this trip for another week or so if I could find some SQ KF J award availability on SIN-PER. HKG-SIN is wide open as would be expected....

 

[Isochronous]

VA Y pricing is very good atm, sub-$700. Also know of someone who got CX for about $650 recently so definitely good deals to be had!

 

[Pleb Status]

VA Y pricing is very good atm, sub-$700. Also know of someone who got CX for about $650 recently so definitely good deals to be had!

There is only one letter in your post that I dislike..... Y.

Edit - PER-HKG return in mid October can be booked on CX direct for AUD668 if you do not want to earn any QFFP or SC. The lowest CX Save return fare is also ineligible for QF earn (class Q) at AUD768. On the QF codeshare, the same return flights are AUD968 as Sale fares, but will earn some QFFP and SC. So it looks like an additional AUD200 to AUD300 just to earn a few QFFP and SC. One out of the @trippin_the_rift textbook here...

 

[drron]

Reports that some hotels were down to 10% occupancy in August and most hotel workers have to take at least some unpaid leave.

Most hotel workers forced to take unpaid leave as occupancy rates drop

A survey of workers from more than 40 three- to five-star hotels found that occupancy rates had fallen to as low as 30 per cent on average for the first half of August.

www.scmp.com

 

[kpc]

Reports that some hotels were down to 10% occupancy in August and most hotel workers have to take at least some unpaid leave.

Most hotel workers forced to take unpaid leave as occupancy rates drop

A survey of workers from more than 40 three- to five-star hotels found that occupancy rates had fallen to as low as 30 per cent on average for the first half of August.

www.scmp.com

Sad for the hotel workers...I know some AFFers will think it is a great time to go to HK to snap up these hotel bargains. More images of police hitting / spraying the public will drive these hotel numbers even lower!

 

[Hvr]

One group of people I haven't heard about is the domestic workers. Approximately 370,000 people, predominately Filipinas and Indonesian women work as domestic helpers in Hong Kong.

On Sundays, their usual day off, they would congregate in the city centre enjoying the company of their fellow workers. It is usually a joyful time with with many picnics and gatherings of friends catching up on news in their home countries etc.

Since the protests I wonder what they are doing and if their situation has deteriorated. The local residents don't like them congregating in the city and there are many seats blocked off and lots of 'no seating' signs put out.

 

[Lynda2475]

So was chatting online with a ex-pat friend who lives in HK, and he said if I keep my booking at the Harbour Grand and there are protests while I'm there that the "usual protest route" would make getting to Central Station and the Airport difficult.

He highly recommends I switch booking to SoHo area specifically the Pottinger (best deal seems to be be via Sino club membership but pushing AU $470/night for my dates with breaky included - so much for things being super cheap in HK due to protests) or somewhere else along the Central-Mid-Levels Escalators (no idea how to check for that when searching) that link to the airport express station, so if roads are closed can still get to the train.

Thoughts?