For three years, China was almost completely isolated from the outside world due to the ongoing corona pandemic - now the country is more open to the world than ever and finally wants to boost tourism again. Therefore, Hong Kong has come up with a special marketing measurement. And it sounds almost unbelievable. The city is raising money and providing 500,000 free airline tickets and other vouchers. 

In Hong Kong, people wish tourism would return. © Shutterstock

"Hello Hong Kong"

Only about 600,000 people traveled to Hong Kong in 2022 - too few, according to the western Chinese metropolis. Therefore, advertisement is being pushed. As the Hong Kong Tourism Board announced, around 250 major events have been organized to attract people. In addition to free flights, so-called "Hong Kong Goodies" - discount coupons and cash vouchers - are expected to drive up visits to bars and cafes. "We have more exciting things to offer than ever before," the tourism authority chief said confidently. 

Free flights

One aspect that is likely to have caused a particular stir is the free flights that Hong Kong wants to give out. Starting in March, they are to be activated for half a year. Interested parties can obtain information from the cooperating airlines Hong Kong Express, Hong Kong Airlines and Cathay Pacific, but only the latter is involved in European air traffic.

Cathay Pacific also flies from Europe. © Shutterstock

What is particularly staggering is the value of the free tickets. They are said to cost the state around 230 million euros.

Over the top

The latest developments described by Bloomberg show just how incredible the free promotion is. Because there were too many people interested in the flight tickets, the offer was restricted. Only with a bit of luck will a free ticket be added to a purchased ticket.