Hong Kong to give away 500,000 airline tickets to boost tourism

Hong Kong is to give away 500,000 airline tickets in a hugely ambitious promotional campaign to boost tourism numbers and attract visitors back to the region.

As part of the government driven initiative it is also offering a host of ‘Hong Kong Goodies’ in the form of discount vouchers on food, drink, transport, hotels, shopping and attractions to entice travellers to visit Hong Kong.

Dr Pang Yiu-kai, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said: “Hong Kong is back on the map for global travellers, with more excitement to offer than ever before.

“We are extending a biggest welcome to the world through the ‘Hello Hong Kong’ campaign, inviting friends from everywhere as they return to one of the world’s greatest tourism destinations.

“I am confident that Hong Kong’s vibrant east-meets-west culture, together with our iconic and brand-new attractions and immersive experiences will attract travellers back for an epic, unforgettable journey.”

Airport Authority Hong Kong’s chairman, Jack So, noted: “The campaign will generate a multiplier effect on boosting air traffic and enormous publicity for Hong Kong. Since the relaxation of travel restrictions and quarantine requirements for inbound travellers last year, passenger traffic at the airport HKIA has started to pick up, especially in the last quarter.

“We also have had a good start of 2023 with the resumption of normal travel with the Mainland. HKIA has always been a major international aviation hub. We are confident that passenger traffic will continue to rise.”

The ‘Hello Hong Kong’  includes a series of vibrant promotional contents, which will be broadcast on 3,000 platforms worldwide.

A series of thematic videos will feature business leaders, social influencers, Hong Kong Super Fans, and Hong Kong celebrities including Cantopop legends Aaron Kwok, Sammi Cheng and Kelly Chen, showcasing the city’s array of thrilling new experiences.

To entice globetrotters to embark on a long-awaited visit to Hong Kong, 500,000 free air tickets will be given away by the Airport Authority Hong Kong to different markets in phases, through three home-based carriers namely Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong Express and Hong Kong Airlines, starting from March.

In addition what has been described as “an array of enticing welcoming offers” from over 16,000 outlets across the city have been put together by the HKTB and the tourism and hospitality sectors to welcome back visitors.