**Boost Your Chinese New Year Celebrations with Increased Restaurant Bookings**
SINGAPORE: The upcoming Chinese New Year festivities on Jan 29 and 30 are sparking a surge in restaurant reservations across Singapore. As the festive season approaches, people are eagerly securing spots to celebrate with loved ones in style.
**Rising Demand for Dining Spaces**
Eateries are witnessing a notable increase in bookings compared to previous years, with customers showing a preference for private and exclusive dining experiences. The Chairman’s Lounge at Pan Pacific Orchard has experienced a 20% rise in reservations, particularly from corporate clients seeking intimate gatherings. Director of Sales and Marketing at the hotel, Sharul Madi, highlighted the growing trend of people seeking curated spaces to celebrate the occasion.
At Lao Huo Tang, a popular restaurant chain with multiple outlets in Singapore, reservations began nearly two months ago, emphasizing the early planning and anticipation surrounding Chinese New Year celebrations. Chief Operating Officer Tiffany Hong noted a 30% surge in corporate bookings, underlining the high demand for dining spaces during this festive period.
For families unable to secure restaurant reservations, the option of takeaway or delivery remains a convenient choice to enjoy festive meals at home comfortably. Despite the challenges of booking preferred dining timings, families are adapting their celebrations to suit their needs.
**Plant Prices on the Rise**
Apart from dining reservations, traditional Chinese New Year plant purchases are witnessing a price hike this year. Plants symbolize wealth, luck, and good health, making them a staple in many households during the festive season. World Farm, a prominent nursery, reported a 10% increase in prices for select plants due to rising logistics and labor costs.
To accommodate customers during this price surge, World Farm is offering special bundle deals and home deliveries to soften the impact of higher prices. Despite the increase, customers are undeterred by the cost, viewing it as a worthwhile investment in brightening up their festive atmospheres.
**Manpower Challenges**
While some nurseries like Far East Flora have maintained plant prices, they are facing challenges in recruiting temporary workers due to outdoor work requirements. The surge in demand for plants during Chinese New Year necessitates additional manpower for stocking and customer service, posing recruitment hurdles for nurseries during this busy period.
As Singaporeans prepare for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, the demand for dining spaces and traditional plants is a testament to the festive spirit and cultural traditions upheld during this auspicious time of the year. Let the festivities begin!