Hong Kong launches global campaign, offers 500,000 free air tickets

Hong Kong has launched its new global promotional campaign “Hello Hong Kong,” and is sending its greatest welcome to the world with 500,000 air tickets, as well as city-wide offers including visitor vouchers called “Hong Kong Goodies,” to entice visitors.

“Hong Kong is back on the map for global travellers, with more excitement to offer than ever before," said Dr. Pang Yiu-kai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). "We are extending a big welcome to the world through the ‘Hello Hong Kong’ campaign, inviting friends to 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.”

China said Friday (Feb. 3) that cross-border travel between the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau would fully resume from Feb. 6, dropping a mandatory COVID-19 test that was previously required, Reuters reports. 

Group tours between China and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau would resume, while the number of customs checkpoints open will return to pre-pandemic levels, China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office said in a statement.

For international travellers, Hong Kong has scrapped most of its COVID-era rules and has reopened to mass tourism after being shut for more than two years due to the pandemic. 

Hello Hong Kong

Hong Kong received 56 million visitors in 2019 - over seven times its population - before the pandemic began. But its strict COVID restrictions have kept visitors away for three years. 

HKTB Executive Director Mr. Dane Cheng presented the Board’s key strategies and initiatives in reviving tourism.

The “Hello Hong Kong” campaign is meant to send the positive message that Hong Kong is back with "signature and new exciting experiences awaiting visitors, in light of the lifting of all entry restrictions to Hong Kong."

READ MORE: Hong Kong is open for tourism and Michael Lim is about to get very busy

The campaign includes a series of vibrant promotional content, 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.

500,000 air tickets will be given away

To entice globetrotters to embark on a long-awaited visit to Hong Kong, 500,000 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 the United States and Canada, Cathay Pacific will be offering a limited number of discounted round-trip tickets to Hong Kong starting from May onwards. 

For the latest updates and details on the participating airlines, click here. 

The free tickets are part of the HK$2 billion relief package that the government offered to airlines in 2020, during the height of COVID.

The HKTB is also investing a minimum of HK$100 million in the promotion of the campaign’s initial phase. 

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. 

Among which, at the initial stage, at least 1 million “Hong Kong Goodies” visitor vouchers will be given out, such as a complimentary welcome drink at participating bars, restaurants, and hotels, or a cash voucher to be redeemed in the transportation, culinary and retail sectors, as well as attractions. 

For details on ‘Hong Kong Goodies’ vouchers exclusively for visitors, click here.

New experiences & events 

The whole city welcomes visitors with new and upgraded attractions, incuding M+ and Hong Kong Palace Museum at the West Kowloon Cultural District, the new sixth-generation Peak Tram, Water World Ocean Park, the new night-time show “Momentous” at Hong Kong Disneyland and enhanced waterfront promenades.  

In addition, Hong Kong will host a year-round calendar of more than 250 events and festivals across 2023. 

Highlights include the Hong Kong Marathon, the Clockenflap music festival, Art Basel, the Museum Summit 2023, Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival and New Year Countdown Celebrations, showcasing the dynamic and diverse appeal of the city.

Hong Kong also has more than 100 international MICE events planned for 2023, providing platforms for different sectors to seize business opportunities.

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