SonyaHong Kong recently launched a head-turning promotional campaign titled Hello Hong Kong. This initiative aims to bring back international travellers. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or looking to discover Hong Kong for the first time, this is an offer you’ll want to try and secure! The Airport Authority of Hong Kong is offering 500,000 sponsored airline travel tickets across various markets via four major home-based carriers: Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong Express, Hong Kong Airlines and Greater Bay Airlines. In the Canadian market, the tickets will be distributed through Cathay Pacific.
A limited number of round-trip economy class tickets to Hong Kong will be offered in Canada starting from May 17 at 6:00 PM PST/9:00 PM EST. There is a limit of one ticket per transaction while supplies last.
For a chance to access the tickets, Canadians need to sign up to Cathay Pacific website in order to receive their unique code on May 17 to claim this limited-time offer. Although the base fare will be waived, Canadian travellers will be responsible for taxes, airport fees and other charges.
Aside from airline tickets, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, in collaboration with the tourism and hospitality sectors, have pulled together an array of enticing welcoming offers from over 16,000 outlets across the city to welcome back visitors. At least 1 million visitor “Hong Kong Goodies” in form of gifts vouchers will be distributed through the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s visitor centres. These vouchers include complimentary welcome drinks at participating bars, restaurants, and hotels, or cash vouchers redeemable in the transportation, culinary, and retail sectors, as well as at various attractions.
Showcasing Hong Kong’s New Experiences and Events
Hong Kong welcomes visitors with a host of new and upgraded attractions unveiled in recent years, alongside its timeless iconic experiences. Amongst the new and exciting announcements are the M+ and Hong Kong Palace Museum at the West Kowloon Cultural District, the state-of-the-art sixth-generation Peak Tram, Water World Ocean Park, Hong Kong Disneyland’s captivating nighttime spectacle “Momentous,” and the enhanced waterfront promenades, offering breathtaking new perspectives of Victoria Harbour.
What travellers to Hong Kong should know (at time of publishing this story)
Hong Kong’s Full Return to Normal
Dr. Pang Yiu-kai welcomed the Hong Kong Government’s announcement on lifting the mask mandate that took effect on March 1. He said, “As the mandatory mask-wearing rule is lifted, all social-distancing measures in Hong Kong have come to an end. Both the local public and all visitors from around the world can now enjoy the many experiences in Hong Kong to the fullest. This not only directly marks Hong Kong’s full return to normal but also gives a shot in the arm to the revival of our tourism industry.”
Canada Removes Pre-Departure Testing Requirement for Travellers from Hong Kong
The Canadian government’s decision to lift temporary pre-departure test requirements for air travellers from China, Hong Kong, and Macao, effective March 17, 2023, was well received by the Canadian office of the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Michael Lim expressed his excitement, stating, “we welcome the removal of pre-departure test requirements for travellers from Hong Kong. Along with the relaxation of most travel restrictions in Hong Kong and the elimination of the city’s mask mandate, it is now more convenient for Canadians to visit Hong Kong. We look forward to welcoming our Canadian friends to immerse themselves in our rich culture, thriving arts scene, world-class dining, and breathtaking outdoors.”
Revival of Hong Kong Cruise Tourism
Cruise tourism in Hong Kong is seeing a steady revival, with five cruise liners making their maiden trips to the city between early March and early April. Resorts World One, the first cruise ship to homeport in Hong Kong since travel fully resumed, embarked on its inaugural tour on March 10. The city welcomes an international lineup of maiden cruise calls, including ships from Germany, the U.K., and Italy. Resorts World One will make three departures per week in the coming year, offering new cruise experiences to consumers. The tourism board has secured 16 cruise lines and over 150 ship calls to Hong Kong.
Dragon Boat Festival Races Resume
The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races are poised to make a comeback in June after a four-year hiatus (June 24-25) in Victoria Harbour. This year’s competition will host local, Mainland, Taiwanese, and international dragon boat teams. As elite dragon boat athletes from around the globe convene in Hong Kong, both residents and tourists will have the chance to experience the thrill of a significant sporting event within the city.