Hungry for love, Hong Kong singles pay up for Valentine’s Day speed dating events
Many prefer face-to-face meetings despite availability of free dating apps and websites
In the time of Tinder, when your next date might be just a “swipe” away, a surprising number of Hongkongers are still forking out to go on speed dates – organised social events where participants have a succession of one-on-one conversations with potential partners in a limited amount of time.
A growing gender imbalance in city means single women here are increasingly willing to spend money on the search for a special someone – potentially big business for matchmakers, who say the scene is now attracting more well-educated clients.
These clients are bringing their higher spending power to bear in their pursuit of commitment and marriage rather than just a romantic dinner or a one-night stand.
Speed daters prefer paying for “quality control” rather than trusting the profiles strangers post online. Hence, matchmakers conduct background checks on participants and screen out potential cheaters.