Hong Kong offers giveaway of free tickets
Hong Kong has just announced a giveaway of 500,000 airline tickets worth an estimated HK$2 billion ($254.8 million) to boost its struggling tourism industry. Once an Asian mecca for travel and shopping, Hong Kong’s visitor numbers and economy have been decimated after years of political protests, topped by 2.5 years of strict restrictions on international travel related to COVID-19.
In recent weeks, the government has dropped quarantine requirements for incoming travelers in favor of a 0+3 policy (which requires testing and monitoring rather than quarantine) to boost the city with returnees.
Additionally, the city has committed around HK$100 million ($12.7 million) to attract visitors from around the world, with an initial focus on short-haul flights from Southeast Asia. This ticket offer is the next big step towards recovery and will start in 2023 once the government lifts all remaining travel restrictions.
The announcement is certainly exciting for many travelers. Tickets are distributed by the Hong Kong Airport Authority and include return flights in agreement with airlines. The tickets were actually bought by the local airport authority in 2020 from Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong airlines as a preventative measure to increase tourism once restrictions were loosened.
Hong Kong offers giveaway of free tickets
That said, there are no expectations of a V-shaped rebirth for city tourism, with the executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) voicing it. The HKTB has been the subject of a public relations blitz since quarantine restrictions ended with the launch of the “360 Hong Kong Moments” campaign, which focuses on tried-and-true attractions with a focus on the area’s natural beauty and new cultural landmarks such as Hong Kong moments. Kong Palace Museum.
