The Hong Kong Government will be handing out half a million free airline tickets from 1 March. Find out how to get in on the action!
Hoping to get away this summer? You’re in luck! The Hong Kong government announced on Tuesday, 2 February that the city will be handing out 500,000 free airline tickets as part of the $2 billion “Hello Hong Kong” campaign that aims to boost the city’s tourism and economy. Hong Kong residents will be allocated 80,000 free airline tickets and another 80,000 will be given to Greater Bay Area visitors, from Wednesday, 1 March. The rest will be distributed throughout the Southeast Asian markets.
Read on to learn when tickets are expected to be distributed and how to get your hands on them. Plus, find out about the other free goodies up for grabs in the coming months.
Editor’s Note: This article was most recently updated on Friday, 3 February, 2023. Be sure to bookmark this page for more updates.
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When Will The Free Airline Tickets Be Distributed?
First in line to receive tickets are inbound travellers from Southeast Asian markets, with the first phase kicking off on Wednesday, 1 March, followed by those in mainland China and Northeast Asia from April and May respectively. The giveaway period will last for six months.
Outbound tickets for city residents travelling out of Hong Kong to other destinations are set to be rolled out from July onwards.
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How Do I Get Free Airline Tickets?
The airline tickets will be distributed via a number of different activities, such as lucky draws, first-come first-served arrangements, or buy-one-get-one deals, with 65% of the 700,000 or so tickets being handed out by the participating airlines (Hong Kong Express, Cathay Pacific Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines – follow the links for more info) through their direct channels or agents.
The rest of the tickets will be reserved for tourism-related sectors and used to promote Hong Kong and support inbound tourism.
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Other Goodies Up For Grabs
Visitors staying in Hong Kong for no more than 90 days will be given free welcome goodies upon arrival, including a welcome drink, a $100 cash voucher, plus an exclusive gift (available on a first-come first-serve basis).
To collect your goodies, visit one of the Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Centres and grab your Hong Kong Goodies visitor consumption voucher. You’ll need to register an account on the Tourism Board website by scanning the QR code on your redemption card to get your e-coupons for redeeming your free drink and gifts. Head here for more details.
As part of the “Hello Hong Kong” campaign, 16,000 local businesses will also offer special offers and discounts to visitors, to be distributed at four border checkpoints.
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