Hong Kong has decided to give away 500,000 airline tickets in a bid to promote tourism to the region now that the COVID-19 measures have been slightly relaxed.
Hong Kong decided to lift certain Coronavirus measures, including the mandatory requirement to undergo testing upon arrival, in recent months and decided to come up with a plan that would attract more tourists to the country.
As part of its plan, Hong Kong will give away 500,000 airline tickets worth over €250 million for those planning to reach the region, VisaGuide.World reports.
Euronews Travel explains that the decision of Hong Kong to give away flight tickets was announced by Chief Executive John Lee, who launched the €1.8 billion campaign called “Hello Hong Kong.”
Lee revealed that the giveaway of flight tickets will start next month, on March 1, and at the same time noted that the giveaway will last for around six months, meaning that the tickets will be distributed in phases.
Furthermore, the relevant authorities disclosed that the tickets will be distributed little by little on the overseas platforms of airlines, starting with Southeast Asian countries. The tickets will then be distributed to mainland China as well as Northeastern Asia.
In addition to the 500,000 flight tickets, another 80,000 of them will be given to residents of Hong Kong in the summer. The same amount – 8,000 tickets – will also be given to those that live in the Greater Bay Area.
Hong Kong will also provide visitors with special vouchers as well as offers. It is expected that around one million vouchers worth more than €11 each will be given to visitors. These vouchers can be used for discounts on food, drinks, retail, hotels, transport, and different attractions.
According to Time Out Hong Kong, the vouchers have already started to be distributed at tourist inquiry counters that are located at four border checkpoints.
Apart from the above-mentioned, it has been stressed that Hong Kong will also host over 250 events and festivals throughout this year.
Currently, all visitors reaching Hong Kong are required to take a rapid antigen test upon their arrival as well as take a second test on the fifth day of their visit. Those that test positive must undergo self-isolation.
Hong Kong also requires proof of vaccination for everyone over the age of 12. As for Hong Kong residents, the authorities explain that they are not required to present proof of full vaccination.
Hong Kong registered around 56 million visitors in 2019 when there were no COVID restrictions in place. On the other hand, in 2021, Hong Kong registered a deep decrease in the number of tourist arrivals, which had a significant impact on the tourism sector and its economy.
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