How to get free air tickets that Hong Kong is giving away
Hong Kong has initiated a large-scale international promotion to attract tourists back to the city after three years of strict pandemic restrictions.
The “Hello Hong Kong” tourism campaign will offer 700,000 free flight tickets, spending vouchers, and special events.
City leader John Lee introduced the initiative with the hope of reversing the declining trend in tourism numbers and stimulating the economy.
The Airport Authority will buy approximately 500,000 air tickets from local airlines, providing them with liquidity.
These will then be given to both international visitors and Hong Kong residents as part of a future market recovery campaign once the pandemic subsides.
How to get a free ticket
The three local airlines in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific Airways, HK Express, and Hong Kong Airlines, will distribute 65% of the 700,000 free air tickets being offered as part of the “Hello Hong Kong” tourism campaign.
The remaining tickets will be reserved to support inbound tourism and promote the city. Beginning on March 1st, travelers who want to visit Hong Kong can enter their names into a flight ticket lottery on the World of Winners international airport page.
The promotion will be carried out in stages, starting with Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia from March 1st. Mainland China will be targeted in April, followed by northeast Asia, including Korea and Japan, and other markets in May.
Airlines will distribute the tickets through promotions such as lucky draws, buy-one-get-one-free deals, and games or competitions, according to the Airport Authority CEO Fred Lam Tin-fuk.
The winners of the tickets will be responsible for all related surcharges, fees, and taxes and all the tickets will be economy class. Another 80,000 tickets will be given to Hong Kong residents and the same number to visitors from the Greater Bay Area starting in July.
Still got questions? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions for your help.
How will the free air tickets be allocated among the airlines in Hong Kong?
The allocation of the 500,000 free air tickets will be divided among Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Express, and Hong Kong Airlines.
The exact methods of distribution for the tickets will be determined by each airline, and may include options such as lucky draws, first-come-first-serve, and buy-one-get-one-free promotions.
When will the free air ticket giveaway take place?
The giveaway of the free air tickets will occur over a 6-month period, starting on March 1st and continuing until September 2023.
Who is eligible to receive the free air tickets?
While the specific criteria for winning the free air tickets have not been announced by the Hong Kong airlines, they have reported the locations where they will be distributed.
When will the distribution of the free air tickets occur?
The distribution of the free air tickets will happen in three phases:
- March: Southeast Asia
- April: China
- May: Northeast Asia & other countries
Additionally, 160,000 air tickets will also be given to Hong Kong citizens starting in July.
Are the free air tickets completely free of charge?
The economy class air tickets are being offered for free, but the winners will still be responsible for covering any related surcharges, fees, and taxes.
What other benefits are available for tourists?
Tourists visiting Hong Kong will also receive a set of “Hong Kong Goodies” starting on February 2nd, 2023. This set of goodies includes free drink redemption and cash vouchers for use at attractions, shopping, and dining establishments.
Who qualifies for the Hong Kong Goodies?
Only bona fide visitors staying in Hong Kong for 90 days or less are eligible to receive the Hong Kong Goodies. Redemption is only possible using a mobile number that is not based in Hong Kong, and can only be redeemed once.
Where can Hong Kong Goodies be redeemed?
The Hong Kong Goodies can be redeemed at any of the four Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Centers:
- Hong Kong International Airport Visitor Center
- Kowloon Visitor Center
- Hong Kong West Kowloon Station Visitor Center
- Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port Visitor Center