Hong Kong Brings Tourists Back by Giving Away 500,000 Airline Tickets

Hong Kong's government announced plans to offer 500,000 free tickets to airlines to revitalize the tourism industry.

Although the "Hello Hong Kong!" initiative was officially unveiled Thursday, it has been in development for more than two years.

The tickets will be distributed among three of the city's airlines, Cathay Pacific, HK Express, and Hongkong Airlines. The city spent approximately $254.8 million on the 500,000 tickets.

To enter the lottery for a chance to win a flight to Hong Kong, travelers who want to travel to Hong Kong should visit the World of Winners splashpage. It will open on March 1, 2013.

The tickets will be distributed in three waves. They will go to Southeast Asian residents, mainland Chinese residents and those living in other parts of the world starting March 1.

Locals are also welcome to participate in the fun. Hong Kongers will have the opportunity to get airline tickets starting July 1st.

Hong Kong is a city that will surprise those who have visited it before.

Local attractions like the Jumbo Kingdom floating restaurant have been closed. Some attractions, such as the Peak Tram, were remodeled during the pandemic.

Hong Kong was cautious and slow in responding to the coronavirus pandemic.

In January 2020, the city started to cancel all in-person events after first reports of flu-like symptoms in Wuhan, China.

During the pandemic, it was difficult and costly to travel in and out Hong Kong. Travelers were prevented from leaving Hong Kong due to strict quarantines that reached their peak at 21 days after isolation and multiple PCR tests.

These quarantines were provided in hotels, and the traveler paid for them. The government sent those who were positive on arrival for the virus to facilities. Only residents of Hong Kong were allowed to enter the city.

Hong Kongers were able to support one another through difficult times by joining a Facebook group with more than 30,000 people. Some members shared food deliveries, gave advice on loneliness, and even offered tips for trading exercises.

Hong Kong had 56 million visitors a year before the pandemic. This number was down to around 100,000 by 2022.

It wasn't just foreign tourists who were leaving. Financial hub saw its biggest population decline since 1961 with a 1.6% drop.

Some were concerned that it would be too late when John Lee, the chief executive of the city, announced that quarantines would cease in September 2022.

Source: cnn.com