Hong Kong on Friday opened its doors to tourists and visitors from around the world by offering 500,000 free air tickets as part of its global promotion campaign ‘Hello Hong Kong’. In addition, city-wide offers covering ‘Hong Kong Goodies’ visitor consumption vouchers will also be provided for travelers to experience the country’s diverse appeals.
The campaign comes at a time when the country is trying to revive its tourism sector, which was badly hit during the Covid lockdown. Hong Kong’s tourism industry has suffered since 2019 after months of political strife that at times turned into violent clashes between protesters and police, as well as harsh entry restrictions enforced during the pandemic.
In addition, Hong Kong will host a year-round calendar of over 250 events and festivals in 2023. Highlights include Hong Kong Marathon, Clockenflap Music Festival, Art Basel, Museum Summit 2023, Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, Hong Kong Wines. and the Dine Festival and New Years Countdown celebrations, showcasing the city’s dynamic and diverse appeal.
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In 2022, about 605,000 visitors came to Hong Kong, six times more than the year before, but about 90% less than in 2019 before the pandemic, which saw 55.9 million arrivals.
Dr. Pang Yiu-kai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said, “Hong Kong is back on the map for global travelers, with more enthusiasm than ever before. Welcoming, inviting friends from everywhere to return to one of the world’s greatest tourist destinations. I am confident that Hong Kong’s vibrant East-West culture, our iconic and brand-new attractions and immersive experiences will will draw travelers back together for an epic, unforgettable journey.
Hong Kong, China cancel Covid test
Travel between Hong Kong and China will no longer require Covid-19 PCR tests nor be held to daily limits, authorities announced on Friday, as both places seek to spur economic growth.
“From Monday, travel between Hong Kong and the mainland will fully resume,” Hong Kong leader John Lee told a news briefing on Friday. Li said quotas for travelers would be abolished and all border posts would reopen next week.
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The announcement came a day after Lee unveiled a tourism campaign aimed at attracting travelers to Hong Kong that includes 500,000 free air tickets for tourists to visit the semi-autonomous Chinese city.
China had already eased travel restrictions with Hong Kong on January 8, ending a mandatory quarantine period for travelers entering the mainland. However, the number of passengers entering the mainland from Hong Kong through land checkpoints was limited to 50,000 per day.