'Hello Hong Kong' campaign to distribute 500,000 free airline tickets to world travelers

(ECNS) -- The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region launched the "Hello Hong Kong" campaign, which includes giving away 500,000 air tickets and over a million Hong Kong Goodies visitor consumption vouchers. 

The 500,000 air tickets will be distributed by Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Express, and Hong Kong Airlines starting from March 1.

The free tickets will be first distributed to travelers from Southeast Asian countries, followed by the Chinese mainland and Northeastern Asia countries.

The campaign will last six months and is expected to bring at least 1.5 million inbound passengers to Hong Kong, accounting for about 8 to 10 percent of total travelers.

Later this summer, an additional 80,000 free airline tickets will be distributed to Hong Kong residents with another 80,000 for those living in the Greater Bay Area.

In the initial phase, more than 16,000 stores have prepared vouchers for travelers, ranging from retail, catering and transportation.

Hong Kong will host several major festivals in the coming months, including its first "pop culture" event. 

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung on Wednesday said Hong Kong is well prepared to welcome world travelers.