Providing Hong Kong’s residents with the opportunity to watch the Paris Olympic Games live for free has not only fostered a communal spirit but also contributed to a noticeable uptick in local spending, according to experts.

Residents have been cheering the special administrative region’s athletes to glory in the Olympic Games despite a six-hour time difference between Hong Kong and Paris, thanks to the HKSAR government’s acquiring the television broadcasting rights for the Paris Olympic Games and the upcoming Paralympic Games.

Business leaders said the games are proving to be a boon in particular for the catering industry, with citizens choosing to stay in Hong Kong and spend money.

READ MORE: Olympic fever rises as city bags 2nd gold, one bronze

During the first week of the Paris Olympics, business volume surged by approximately 20 percent, according to Simon Wong, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades.

“During this period, the catering industry has enjoyed profitability as many citizens have been going out and visiting shopping malls … There has been a significant increase in customers dining out earlier than usual,” he said.

Delivery platforms meanwhile have reported a 10 percent to 15 percent surge in business during the period.

The bar industry is also capitalizing on the Olympic excitement, with one establishment acquiring a fencing games console following the city’s success in the combat sport to allow customers to try it out for themselves.

The industry has indicated that bar business has registered an average increase of about 15 percent during the Olympics.

Chin Chun-wing, chairman of the Hong Kong Bar and Club Association, said some customers in residential areas are opting to watch events in bars due to space constraints at home.

ALSO READ: Kong clinches HK's first gold medal in Paris

“They can only watch the competitions during sleeping hours, pushing them to go out,” he said.

Weekdays have witnessed a noticeable buzz at bars, while Fridays and Saturdays have been even busier, with customers willing to stay until the early hours of the morning. Reservations have increased by about 10 percent, while walk-in customers have risen by 5 percent to 10 percent.

Emphasizing that major events create a multitude of business opportunities, Chin expressed his hope that the SAR government will continue to promote the night-time economy in the city.