According to an article by Today, Hong Kong’s (HK) leader, John Lee announced a campaign today (2 Feb) which includes 500,000 free flights into HK.
This move comes in hopes of attracting visitors, businesses and investors to come back to HK.
HK previously had stern restrictions because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Launched ‘Hello Hong Kong’ campaign
Dancers and flashing neon lights paraded at HK’s main convention centre, just beside HK’s famous harbour.
A backdrop was also seen carrying the campaign’s slogan in different languages such as Russian and Spanish.
Spoke at the campaign
Speaking in English, Lee said that the ‘Hello HK’ campaign would broadcast to the world that HK is open and tourism has resumed.
He also said that the campaign aims to help boost businesses and investments in HK.
Previously closed borders in line with China
HK had previously for the past three years mostly closed its borders in line with China’s zero Covid policy, but had relaxed its rules around the middle of the year 2022.
Most of the rules were then dropped in December but mask wearing still remains mandatory other than when exercising and apart from this, students were required to take daily antigen rapid tests (ART).
The quota system for travelers between HK and China still remains till date, and the three border checkpoints between HK and China still remained closed.
HK carriers will get tickets to distribute to passengers
Officials had also said that airline carriers in HK, namely Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Express and Hong Kong Air will get free flight tickets to distribute out to passengers overseas for a period of up to six month.
This would start on 1 March 2022.
Image source: Unsplash