June tourist arrivals jump 67 times yy
June jewellery, watch sales up 64.3 yy vs May39;s 51.8 growth
Government says retail sales outlook favourable

HONG KONG, Aug 1 Reuters Hong Kong39;s June retail sales rose 19.6 from a year earlier in the seventh consecutive month of growth thanks to a tourism recovery and positive consumption sentiment and the outlook is favourable, the city government said on Tuesday.

Sales increased to HK33.1 billion 4.25 billion. That compared with a revised 18.5 rise in May and 14.9 growth in April.

The government launched a promotional campaign in March called Hello Hong Kong after lifting all strict COVID19 restrictions in the city, to bring back tourists and businesses. It launched a Happy Hong Kong campaign in late May to boost local spending and the economy.

The outlook for retail sales remained favourable, a government spokesperson said, adding that visitor arrivals should increase, while an improved labour market and government measures to boost the recovery should render support to consumption demand.

In volume terms, retail sales increased 17.5 yearonyear in June. That compared with a revised 16.6 growth in May and 13.1 growth in April.

The Hong Kong Retail Management Association launched Happy Hong Kong Shopping Festival from July 1 to Aug. 31 with about 6,000 stores offering discounts and other retail promotions to boost consumption.

However, the city39;s economic growth slowed to 1.5 in the second quarter from a year…