By providing 500,000 free tickets to tourists from around the world, Hong Kong, known for its skyline and vibrant city life, is giving a significant boost to its tourism industry. This initiative aims to revive the tourism industry, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now is the ideal time to visit this dynamic city thanks to the recent lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the ease of travel to mainland China.
Additionally, 500.000 airline tickets worth more than €250 million will be given away as part of Hong Kong’s strategy.
The free tickets were initially purchased to support airlines during the pandemic, according to executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board Dane Cheng, who spoke to the BBC back in October.
The $2 billion (€1.8 bn) “Hello Hong Kong” campaign was introduced on Wednesday (1 February), with the free flight giveaway set to begin on 1 March. Chief Executive John Lee of Hong Kong.
According to Fred Lam Tin-fuk, chief executive officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the free tickets will be given out by the Hong Kong-based airlines Cathay Pacific, HK Express, and Hong Kong Airlines.
Residents of Hong Kong will receive an additional 80,000 free air tickets in the summer, and residents of the Greater Bay Area will receive an additional 80,000 free tickets.
I know you have a lot of questions, so i will try to answer as many of them as I can about how to win these free flights and other wonderful prizes.
IN THIS BLOG POST YOU WILL FIND:
How to apply?
The corresponding airlines will choose the giveaway mechanisms. These might include giveaways, first-come first-served policies, and even promotions that are buy one, get one free.
The free airfare will be given out over a six-month period beginning on March 1 and lasting until September 2023.
Targeting Southeast Asian nations like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, about three-quarters of the tickets will be distributed to visitors from Asia. Chinese and visitors from other Northeast Asian nations may also try to win these tickets.
The following phases of distribution of the tickets will occur:
- March: Southeast Asia
- April: China
- May: Northeast Asia & other countries
Starting in July, Hong Kong residents will also receive another 160,000 free airline tickets.
Although these economy class airfares will be provided at no cost to the winners, all applicable fees, taxes, and surcharges must still be paid.
By the first of March, these airlines will make additional information available here.
What else is included?
Additionally, it was disclosed that starting on 2 February 2023, visitors can anticipate receiving a set of Hong Kong Goodies. Tourists can redeem free drinks as well as cash vouchers to use at attractions, stores, and restaurants with this package of goodies.
These goodies include:
- 100+ bars, restaurants, and hotels are offering a free drink.
- Use a HK$100 (US$12.75) Cash Voucher at any of more than 140 carefully chosen eateries, stores, or attractions.
- When you visit one of the chosen attractions or museums, you’ll receive a special souvenir (worth more than HK$100).
Entry requirements for Hong Kong
The travel regulations in Hong Kong have been among the strictest during the pandemic.
The city has relaxed its entry requirements months later than competitors like Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan because it largely aligns with the mainland Chinese government’s “zero-COVID” strategy.
Arrival quarantine was no longer required as of September. However, even after Hong Kong’s border with mainland China was reopened in January, the industry’s recovery was slow.
The regulations have now been further relaxed. Given that they test COVID-negative, visitors are no longer required to self-isolate upon arrival.
Rapid antigen testing is used on arriving visitors as well as on day five of their stay. If your test is positive, you must spend the next five days alone in your hotel room or other place of lodging.
Over 12s must also show proof of vaccination, unless they can show a medical condition that prevents them from receiving the shot.
Residents of Hong Kong who lack all necessary vaccinations will be permitted entry. Non-residents will be denied entry to Hong Kong if they are not fully immunized and have traveled outside of Taiwan, Macao, or mainland China within the previous seven days.
Reopening border with China Mainland
All travel restrictions between Hong Kong and the mainland of China will be lifted starting on Monday, February 6.
The full border reopening between Hong Kong and the mainland will start on February 6, which is next Monday, according to Chief Executive John Lee of Hong Kong.
A complete opening of the border means, first and foremost, that there will be no restriction on the number of travelers at any border crossings, no requirement for advanced reservations, and you can travel however you please.
Second, the requirement for pre-entry COVID-19 testing will be eliminated, so COVID and other tests won’t be necessary and (people) can enter and leave at their leisure. Third, all checkpoints for immigration will be opened.
Hong Kong is a must-visit destination for tourists because it offers a distinctive fusion of modern city life and extensive cultural heritage. There is something for everyone in this city, from the breathtaking Victoria Harbour and The Peak to the exciting Disneyland Hong Kong and the shopping areas of Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui.
The street food scene in Hong Kong will delight foodies, and outdoor enthusiasts can explore the city’s stunning hiking trails. There has never been a better time to explore all that Hong Kong has to offer, with 500,000 free tickets up for grabs. Remember to apply and keep up with news!
