Hong Kong offers free flights to kick start tourism revival

Hong Kong has signalled its intention to return to being a major tourism player by launching its Hello Hong Kong campaign with 500,000 free air tickets and a range of free offers. 

“Hong Kong is back on the map for global travellers, with more excitement to offer than ever before," said Dr Pang Yiu-kai, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). 

"We are extending our biggest welcome to the world through the Hello Hong Kong campaign, inviting friends from everywhere as they return to one of the world’s greatest tourism destinations. 

"I am confident that Hong Kong’s vibrant east-meets-west culture, together with our iconic and brand-new attractions and immersive experiences will attract travellers back for an epic, unforgettable journey.” 

HKTB executive director Dane Cheng presented the tourism board's key strategies and initiatives earlier this week. 

To entice travellers to visit to Hong Kong, 500,000 free tickets will be given away by the Airport Authority Hong Kong to different markets in phases, through three home-based carriers Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong Express and Hong Kong Airlines. 

Those giveaways will start in March. 

There will also be a million “Hong Kong Goodies” visitor consumption vouchers of value over HK$100 ($18.50) each will be given out, covering a complimentary welcome drink at participating bars, restaurants, and hotels, or a cash voucher to be redeemed in the transportation, culinary and retail sectors, or attractions. 

See https://discoverhongkong.com/hkgoodies 

Airline to the aid of Ukraine refugees

European low-cost carrier Wizz Air is coming to the rescue of refugees from Russia's attack on Ukraine. 

The Hungarian-based airline says it is offering Ukrainian refugees up 100,000 free seats on flights in continental Europe departing from Hungary, Poland, Slovakia or Romania in March, Travelmole reported. 

“Wizz Air is committed to helping the refugees reach their final destinations, wherever that may be,” the airline said.

“Wizz Air has already added larger planes and extra flights from border countries to Europe to help support the movement of refugees as necessary.” 

Wizz Air said it knew many refugees are already in transit and could be stranded in other locations so was offering €29.99 “rescue fares” on other flights, excluding those to the UAE, Iceland and the Canary Islands.

Ukrainian refugees may book the flights by visiting the website https://wizzair.com/#/rescue

Passengers will be required to provide their Ukrainian passport or ID card number when booking and at check-in.

The airline has suspended its Ukraine flights but said it has added larger planes and extra flights from border countries to the rest of Europe to help support the movement of refugees to their final destinations.