Hong Kong has launched a new global tourism campaign, “Hello Hong Kong,” which aims to bring back visitors to the city by offering 500,000 free air tickets as part of a “buy one, get one free” scheme. Algernon Yau Ying Wah, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, stated that the promotion is open to visitors from all countries and is subject to what the tourism board decides. The air tickets will be distributed through Cathay Pacific, HK Express, and Hong Kong Airlines, and UAE residents can enter the flight ticket lottery by visiting the “World of Winners” website starting March 1. The tickets will be allocated in three waves, starting from Southeast Asia, followed by mainland China, and then the rest of the world.
Hong Kong, a major business and tourism hub in Asia, is looking to strengthen its ties with the GCC and the Middle East, and is inviting foreign investment from the UAE and other Gulf countries. The city signed multiple memorandums of understanding with UAE-based entities during a recent visit from a delegation of business leaders and principal officials from Hong Kong, led by the city’s Chief Executive, John Lee. Yau stated that Hong Kong has a strong relationship with the GCC and is looking to forge partnerships in sectors such as IoT and technology. The city is also planning to incentivize international students to stay and work in Hong Kong after graduation by offering them a two-year visa to work in the city.
