It was reported in October 2022 that the Hong Kong Tourism Board was planning to give away 500,000 free plane tickets. That plan is now coming to fruition and half a million tickets are up for grabs by international travelers. Read on to find out why the former British colony decided to take such drastic measures and how you can apply for the chance of a free return ticket.

Hong Kong Tourism Board giving away 500K plane tickets

Since the end of the pandemic, tourism has been sluggish, so the Hong Kong Tourism Board has launched a new campaign. Kicking off on March 1, the former British colony is doing its utmost to attract visitors. As reported previously, half a million plane tickets will be up for grabs by lucky international travelers.

While Hong Kong reopened its borders in mid-January, tourist numbers have been bleak. This is partly due to the fact that the city only ended social distancing, mandatory vaccination and testing requirement for international visits in December. This came as the city aligned itself with mainland China’s zero-COVID strategy during the pandemic.

Now the tourism board hopes that the new “Hello Hong Kong” offer will entice visitors to return. According to Hong King Chief Executive, John Lee, 500,000 free, round-trip plane tickets will be up for grabs to tourists over the next six months. He dubbed the initiative “probably the world’s biggest welcome ever.”

However, that isn’t all as during 2023, the city will be hosting a series of events and festivals, including the Dragon Boat Festival and Art Basel. Those lucky ticket winners will be eligible for generous discounts on attraction admissions, accommodation, transport, food and drink.

Which airlines are participating in ‘Hello Hong Kong?’

Hong Kong Airlines, HK Express, Cathay Pacific and Greater Bay Airlines are all participating in the campaign. Meanwhile, there’s no immediate rush. Reportedly, the tickets will be released in phases over a period of six months, with the first phase launching on March 1.

How can you get a free plane ticket?

Anyone who wants a chance to win a free plane ticket to Hong Kong can enter their name in the flight-ticket lottery on the airport website here. Alternatively, they can register via any of the participating airlines’ websites.

The tourism board explained that tickets will be awarded through a lottery system. Alternatively, they can be nabbed on a first-come, first-served basis, or through buy-one-get-one-free purchases. Basically, in most cases, and like most lotteries, it is the luck of the draw.

Phase 1 on March 1

Phase 1 launches on March 1 and is open to residents across Southeast Asia. From April 1, those living in mainland China can apply. Then, on May 1, travelers in Europe, the US and the rest of the world get a chance to win. Finally, residents in Hong Kong itself can participate when an additional 80,000 free outbound tickets are offered in July.

What does the ‘Hello Hong Kong’ campaign offer?

Meanwhile, the campaign covers airfare on round-trip economy class flights. However, it should be noted that winners will still have to pay any related surcharges, taxes and fees.

Besides the free air ticket, lucky international tourists will receive a welcome pack on the land at Hong Kong Airport offering them discounts across 1,500 attractions and services in the city.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board said in a statement that at least 1 million “Hong Kong Goodies” vouches to a value of more than HK$100 each would be handed to visitors. This covers a complimentary drink at participating restaurants, bars and hotels. It also offers a cash voucher against costs of accommodation, tourist attractions and local transport.

The welcome pack and vouchers can be collected from tourist information desks at the arrival hall at Hong Kong Airport. They will also be available from visitor desks at West Kowloon High-Speed Rail Station, Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Piers and the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge.