Although Macau’s lovebirds celebrate Valentine’s Day twice – the Western celebration today and the Chinese version that typically falls in August – it is the first that leads to more sales, business owners say.

But not all businesses benefit equally, with hotels and high-end restaurants giving the twin celebrations a bigger push in their marketing calendars, Macau Business reports in its February issue.

Judit Huguet I Sola, chief florist at Tiffany Fleur at Hotel Lan Kwai Fong Macau, says Valentine’s Day is great for business with both the Western and Chinese versions boosting the bottom line.

Revenue increases sharply, thanks in part to the fact that most customers look for bouquets of 99 red roses, meaning “love forever”.

The owner of French restaurant La Bonne Heure, Suzanne Chuek, says the Western Valentine’s Day does make a difference generating extra revenue.

Ms Chuek says there is no comparison between the two celebrations, in terms of turnover. “The Western Valentine’s Day is better for business. The Chinese one is just like a normal day.”

Several hotel and resorts are today offering special menus and packages for February’s Valentine’s.

Read the full version of this article in the February issue of Macau Business magazine, now available at selected newsstand outlets in Macau, Hong Kong bookshops, by subscription and at partner hotels, restaurants, airlines and ferry carriers in Macau.