Despite concerns over rising airfares due to the Middle East conflict, Hong Kong's nightlife scene is preparing for the three-day Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament. Operators expect visitor numbers to increase significantly, possibly by up to 40% compared to a typical weekend.

Bars and restaurants are gearing up for a bumper three days during the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, brushing off concerns that rising airfares because of the Middle East war might put off visitors, with some operators expecting a surge of up to 40 per cent compared with a regular weekend. Business magnate and Lan Kwai Fong Group chairman Allan Zeman told the South China Morning Post that the loyal following of the flagship tournament, which runs from Friday to Sunday at the 50,000-seat Kai...