Hospitality Association of New Zealand Otago branch president Mark Scully said the busy weekend, which included the arrival of three cruise ships, would more than make up for the extra wages cafes and bars had to pay staff.
Despite the fact today was Waitangi Day, most bars and cafes would not be charging surcharges, which were quickly becoming "a thing of the past''.
"I personally think there should still be surcharges, but you can't charge one when your mate next door doesn't.
"Most places I know pretty much just trade through and surcharges are not very well received any more.''
The Waitangi Day holiday being Mondayised for the first time would have little effect on the hospitality industry.
"If you are a seven-day business, then Waitangi Day is still on Saturday. So, for most bars and restaurants they are open seven days.''
Those that did impose surcharges should only do so on one of the days, not both today and Monday.
"So if you are hit on a Saturday at one outlet and then dine somewhere on Monday and get hit a second time, I would consider it unlucky.
"But, certainly, the one premises shouldn't be doing it twice.''
The busy long weekend is set to begin today with a range of events to celebrate Waitangi Day, including a 60 minute walking tour considering the Treaty of Waitangi in Dunedin and Otago led by historian Bill Dacker.
The tour will be repeated on Monday.
Other Waitangi events include a free community concert in the Octagon from 11am to 5pm today and a public lecture by University of Otago history researcher Mark Brunton at 3pm tomorrow at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery.
On Monday, an event including bouncy castles, stalls, face painting, music and kapa haka, is being held at Araiteuru marae in Shetland St, Dunedin.
For the first time, the four flags designed and used by the local runanga from the turn of the 20th Century are being flown from public buildings as part of the celebrations.
Fireworks and a dancing dragon are set to feature as part of Chinese New Year celebrations as the Year of the Monkey is welcomed on Monday.
The festivities behind the Chinese Garden start at 7pm, with a gold coin entry, and will include food stalls and a performance troupe from the Department of Culture of Yunnan province.
The annual parade will leave from the Octagon at 7.15pm, heading south to the Exchange where it will turn left into lower Rattray St towards the Chinese Garden.
The fireworks finale will start at 10pm, behind the garden.
