The authorities of Hong Kong today announced a grand campaign worth 2 billion Hong Kong dollars (about 231 million euros) to boost tourism, business and investment, which will include the gift of 500,000 plane tickets to visitors and residents of the city.
Hong Kong Finance Secretary Paul Chan revealed Thursday that he hopes the campaign, dubbed “Hello Hong Kong”, will attract more than 200 business, cultural and tourism events.
The objective of the campaign, which was presented with dancers and neon lights in the main convention center of the city, is that Hong Kong resume activity after three years of crisis and health restrictions due to the covid pandemic.
In addition to half a million free plane tickets, the administration will offer tourists coupons to spend at more than 100 restaurants, hotels and other places of interest. touristic interest.
Officials did not specify how to qualify for the tickets, although they noted that the airlines involved will make announcements soon about when and how they will be distributed.
The ceremony was attended by several officials from the city’s tourism, commerce and aviation departments, such as the Director General of the Airport Authority, Fred Lam, who pointed out that the campaign will start on March 1 and will last for six months.
According to government estimates, the free tickets will make up about 10% of all arrivals in the semi-autonomous city during that half year.
Hong Kong is connected to mainland China and internationally, and there will be no lockdowns, no quarantines, and no restrictions on enjoying the bustle of the city.”
declared Hong Kong leader John Lee during the presentation.
Speaking to a large audience, Chan also stated that the government’s goal for this year is to “free Hong Kong from the pandemic, focus on economic development, and promote the city both globally and in mainland China.”
The Hong Kong economy contracted 3.5% last year, a percentage worse than expected and, according to local press, 4.2% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2022.
However, experts quoted by the South China Morning Post newspaper foresee a rebound of more than 3% year-on-year by 2023 as the city returns to normality after the lifting of almost all covid-related restrictions and confidence improving. of consumers.
To attract foreign investors, the Hong Kong chief executive will lead a delegation to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates next Saturday, where he will present “the strategic advantages and business opportunities” of the financial center to political and business leaders in the Middle East.
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