Thousands of people in Germany, Britain, and Switzerland were vying for around 4,500 free tickets to Hong Kong from Cathay Pacific Airways, which was part of a government campaign to boost tourism in the city.
Cathay Pacific's website showed heavy traffic as over 65,000 users at one point tried to win a free round-trip, economy-class ticket to the city and back to Britain, as reported by South China Morning Post.
The promotion is part of a 700,000-ticket lucky draw handled by local airlines under the Hello Hong Kong campaign. HK aims to lure over 1.5 million visitors after three years following the global pandemic.
The Latest Round of Ticket Giveaways
In the latest round of ticket giveaways, Britain, Germany, and Switzerland residents had to sign up for free Cathay membership on the website and answer three quiz questions correctly. Every member can only submit one entry and should be 18 years or older.
Winners will be notified by email on June 5. The airline also said that the tickets would be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis from May 9 to May 15 or until tickets had been handed out.
Britain residents were offered over 3,000 economy-class return tickets, while those from Switzerland and Germany received 380 and 900, respectively.
UK residents can depart from London Heathrow or Manchester airports, while those from Germany and Switzerland can choose Frankfurt and Zurich airports.
The round-trip tickets are valid for six months, and the winners will be responsible for paying for tax, surcharges, and any rebooking fees.
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Boosting HK's Tourism
This campaign is aimed at boosting tourism in Hong Kong by encouraging travelers from these three countries to visit and explore the city.
By offering free round-trip tickets, the campaign hopes to attract more tourists and promote Hong Kong as a top travel destination. The campaign also allows the winners to choose their preferred departure airports, making it convenient for them to plan their trip. However, it is important to note that the winners are responsible for paying taxes, surcharges, and any rebooking fees, which may add to the overall cost of the trip.
Hong Kong has always been a popular travel destination for people from around the world. With its vibrant culture, stunning skyline, and delicious food options, it is no wonder that tourists flock to this bustling city year after year.
However, with recent events affecting tourism in Hong Kong - such as political unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic - initiatives like these are crucial in promoting tourism and encouraging visitors to explore all that Hong Kong has to offer.
Aside from offering free round-trip tickets, the campaign also aims to showcase some of Hong Kong's most iconic landmarks, such as Victoria Peak or The Big Buddha on Lantau Island. Visitors can indulge themselves in local markets selling souvenirs or taste authentic Cantonese cuisine served at Michelin-star restaurants across different districts.
By attracting more travelers through campaigns like this one, businesses within the hospitality industry will benefit greatly by generating higher revenue which could help boost their economy post-COVID times while providing employment opportunities for locals.
Initiatives aimed at boosting tourism have significant benefits not only for those who get an opportunity to visit new places but also for communities whose economies rely heavily on tourist activity. This campaign serves both purposes effectively by enticing individuals from three major countries to visit Hongkong; let's hope we see many happy winners exploring everything wonderful about HK soon!
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