The government of Hong Kong has launched the “Hello Hong Kong” initiative, aimed at revitalizing the city’s tourism industry. As part of this effort, 500,000 free airline tickets will be distributed among Cathay Pacific, HK Express, and Hongkong Airlines. The giveaway is expected to cost the city about $254.8 million.
Starting March 1st, travelers interested in visiting Hong Kong can enter their names into the flight ticket lottery by visiting the World of Winners website. Tickets will be allocated in three waves, first to Southeast Asia, then to mainland China, and finally to the rest of the world. Hong Kong residents will also have a chance to win some tickets starting July 1st.
In the past, Hong Kong was a popular tourist destination, receiving 56 million visitors each year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the city’s tourism industry, with only 100,000 visitors by 2022. The city was cautious in its response to the pandemic and imposed strict quarantines and testing requirements, which kept most travelers away. The local population also decreased by 1.6%, marking the largest drop since 1961.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Hong Kongers came together and formed a Facebook group of over 30,000 members to support one another. The end of quarantines, announced in September 2022 by Chief Executive John Lee, brought hope for a revival of the city’s tourism industry. Some popular attractions, like the Peak Tram, have undergone renovations, while others, like the Jumbo Kingdom floating restaurant, have permanently closed.
