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Hong Kong (China) is giving away 500,000 free airline tickets to attract tourists back to this special administrative region.
A restaurant in Hong Kong, China on April 21, 2022. Photo: AFP/TTXVN
Hong Kong has lifted COVID-19 travel restrictions in recent months, including mandatory quarantine upon arrival.
Hong Kong is hoping to bounce back from the pandemic’s devastating tourism impact, Euronews reported. Part of Hong Kong’s plan involves giving away 500,000 airline tickets worth $255 million.
On February 1, Chief Executive Lee Ka-chiu launched a $2 billion campaign called “Hello Hong Kong,” which will include free air tickets starting March 1. The giveaway will last for about six months and will be distributed in phases.
According to Fred Lam Tin-fuk, director general of the Airport Authority of Hong Kong, the free tickets will be distributed by Hong Kong-based airlines such as Cathay Pacific, HK Express and Hong Kong Airlines. The tickets will be distributed gradually on the airlines' overseas platforms, starting with Southeast Asian countries, followed by mainland China and Northeast Asia.
More than 80,000 free air tickets will be given away to Hong Kong residents this summer, along with another 80,000 for those living in the Greater Bay Area.
In addition, visitors can also enjoy discounts and vouchers. One million vouchers worth more than $12 each will offer discounts on food, beverages, transport, hotels, retail and attractions. They will be distributed at tourist information desks at four border checkpoints from February 2. Hong Kong is set to host more than 250 events and festivals throughout 2023.
Hong Kong welcomed 56 million visitors in 2019 before the COVID-19 outbreak. But strict COVID-19 restrictions have severely affected the special administrative region's tourism industry and economy.
According to Tin Tuc Newspaper
