Hong Kong Plans To Provide Travellers With 500,000 Airline Tickets

The Hong Kong government intends to give away 500,000 airline tickets for a total of $2 billion if the city's border restrictions are fully eased in an effort to attract tourists back to the city.

The difficulties of the last two years have had a significant impact on Hong Kong's tourism, and Covid-19 travel regulations have discouraged many from flying to the city. Since September 26, the city has removed the requirement for travelers to check into hotels and changed the format of arrival arrangements to 0+3. Even so, tourists are still hesitant to visit the city because they would miss out on the city's dining and drinking scene as well as other attractions for three days if they went on vacation.

Apart from tourists, business travelers are anticipated to be among the targeted categories for the free tickets, according to media sources. The government has not yet specified how the free tickets will be distributed.

To purchase the 500,000 tickets from airlines, including Hong Kong Express, Cathay Pacific, and Hong Kong Airlines, the Airport Authority set aside $2 billion in 2020. The Airport Authority will distribute the tickets and finalize the agreements with airline firms, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Early in 2023, the tourism board is anticipated to launch advertising campaigns to promote free flights.