Hong Kong Is Giving Away 500,000 Free Airline Tickets to Boost Tourism

Hong Kong Is Giving Away , 500,000 Free Airline Tickets , to Boost Tourism.CNN reports that the government of Hong Kong has announced a plan to give away 500,000 free airline tickets in an effort to revive the tourism industry.On February 2, the "Hello Hong Kong" initiative was unveiled.CNN reports that the program has been in development for the past two years. .Tickets will be split among the city's three airlines, HK Express, Hongkong Airlines and the nation's flag carrier, Cathay Pacific.Tickets will be split among the city's three airlines, HK Express, Hongkong Airlines and the nation's flag carrier, Cathay Pacific.In total, the 500,000 tickets cost the government about $254.8 million.Beginning on March 1, travelers interested in visiting Hong Kong can go to the World of Winners splash page to enter their names in the flight ticket lottery.CNN reports that Hong Kong's pandemic response was slow and cautious, with in-person events being canceled as early as January 2020. .Amid the pandemic, traveling to and from Hong Kong was challenging and expensive in addition to strict quarantines and testing requirements that were implemented.Amid the pandemic, traveling to and from Hong Kong was challenging and expensive in addition to strict quarantines and testing requirements that were implemented.CNN reports that Hong Kong would see 56 million visitors in a typical year prior to the pandemic. .In 2022, the number of Hong Kong tourists dropped to just about 100,000.