SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Hong Kong with its unique role offers great deal more than free air tickets

Promotion campaign needs to tell world Hong Kong’s vibrancy, opportunities, free flow of information and advantages under ‘one country, two systems’ remain unchanged

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Hong Kong is set to give away as many as 700,000 free airline tickets as part of a global promotional drive to lure back visitors as the city. Photo: AFP

SCMP Editorial

Published: 6:45am, 3 Feb 2023

When Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu foreshadowed Thursday’s relaunch of Hong Kong as a business and tourism destination, he exuded confidence that the city’s pandemic-stricken economy would get back to normal soon afterwards. The relaunch, a “Hello Hong Kong” promotion campaign worth at least HK$100 million (US$12.75 million) in its first phase, will now put that optimism to the test.

It coincides with the expected removal of more impediments to free cross-border movement and then there is also the eye-catching international giveaway of about 700,000 air tickets, including 160,000 for those in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

The bait has now been laid to attract businessmen, investors and tourists from around the world back to Hong Kong – “the world’s freest economy”. The net has been cast far and wide, with Lee flying out on Saturday to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to lead a mission to promote trade, investment and cultural ties.

The campaign he presented on Thursday includes a series of events “to tell the world the good stories of Hong Kong” and to enhance promotion of business opportunities, cultural attractions and tourism experiences – some having been suspended for three years – to drive home to the world the message that “Hong Kong is back”.

02:07

Hong Kong to give away 500,000 airline tickets as part of a HK$2 billion promotion campaign

Highlights include major trade shows and conventions, as well as sports and arts events, including existing drawcards such as the city’s marathon this month and the Rugby Sevens and Art Basel in May.