“Probably the world’s biggest welcome ever” – Hong Kong to give away 500,000 airline tickets amid massive tourism campaign

Hong Kong is now ready to welcome back tourists, offering a range of massive events and promotions to revive its tourism industry. {Source: Brand Hong Kong}

HONG KONG, CHINA. The Hong Kong government revealed today that it will be giving away 500,000 airline tickets in early March and from June to December as part of the HK$2 billion (US$255 million) ‘Hello Hong Kong’ campaign aimed to boost local tourism.

Speaking at the ‘Hello Hong Kong’ campaign launch this afternoon, Chief Executive John Lee said: “We have prepared 500,000 free air tickets to welcome tourists from every part of the world to come to Hong Kong. This, ladies and gentlemen, is probably the world’s biggest welcome ever.”

Citing Airport Authority CEO Fred Lam during a press conference this afternoon, Bloomberg reported that flagship carrier Cathay Pacific, HK Express, and Hong Kong Airlines will distribute the half-million free air tickets through a lottery system and two-for-one purchases.

He added that of the 500,000 free air tickets, 80,000 will be allotted to Hong Kong residents in the summer.

Citing sources, South China Morning Post also said that many of the free air tickets will be given to travellers in Asia, such as Mainland China, and some are for those in Europe and the US.

As part of the global tourism campaign, Lee announced that in the next two months Hong Kong will host a range of large-scale events to put the spotlight back on the city’s tourism sector.

These include sporting and outdoor events such as the Hong Kong Marathon, the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament and the 100-kilometre Trailwalker. Other cultural events will also be back this year including Clockenflap music festival, the Art Basel, the Museum Summit and the Hong Kong Arts Festival, as well as MICE events, top trade shows, exhibitions and competitions such as the International Jewellery Show, the WOW Summit and the Vis East Moot, among others.

The Tourism Board will also be giving away at least one million tourist consumption vouchers, worth over HK$100 (US$12.80) each which can be used on drinks, food, shopping or transport.

The wonders of Hong Kong once again beckon tourists from all over the world {Photo: Hong Kong Government News}

During today’s speech, Lee said, “There will be no isolation, no quarantine, and no restriction on experiencing our great wine and dine scenes, on doing business, on joining events and outings, on doing sports, on enjoying the hustle and bustle of Asia’s world city.” ✈

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