Quick Facts
- The Scale: A total of 500,000 free round-trip airline tickets are being distributed to global travelers as part of the "Hello Hong Kong" campaign.
- The Entry Method: Travelers must register via the "World of Winners" hub on the Cathay Pacific website or through partner airlines like Hong Kong Airlines and HK Express.
- The Incentives: Beyond flights, the city is offering 1 million "Hong Kong Goodies" consumption vouchers, each worth at least HK$100, for use at over 16,000 outlets.
- The Strategy: Tickets are released in a phased geographical rollout, starting with Southeast Asia, followed by Mainland China, and concluding with long-haul international markets.
The Global Giveaway: 500,000 Tickets for Travelers
From a logistical and economic standpoint, Hong Kong’s "Hello Hong Kong" campaign represents one of the most aggressive tourism recovery initiatives in recent aviation history. Launched by the Hong Kong Airport Authority (AAHK) and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the program aims to re-establish the city as Asia’s premier travel hub. The centerpiece of this US$2 billion investment is the distribution of 500,000 free round-trip airline tickets, a volume intended to generate a multiplier effect on local spending and hotel occupancy.
As a critic who has monitored the slow reopening of Asian markets, I find the data-driven approach here fascinating. The tickets were purchased in advance from the city’s home-based carriers during the height of the pandemic to provide liquidity to the airlines. Now, they serve as the ultimate "loss leader" to bring international foot traffic back to the streets of Central and Kowloon. Alongside these flights, the government is issuing 1 million "Hong Kong Goodies" vouchers, ensuring that the influx of visitors has immediate purchasing power at local restaurants and attractions.
The campaign is not merely a giveaway; it is a calculated effort to shift global perception. By partnering with major carriers—primarily Cathay Pacific, but also HK Express and Hong Kong Airlines—the city is leveraging its existing infrastructure to facilitate a seamless return for high-value international travelers.
Step-by-Step: How to Win Your Free Tickets
For travelers looking to secure one of these highly coveted tickets, the process is centralized but competitive. The distribution follows a "lucky draw" or "first-come, first-served" model depending on the specific market and carrier.
Direct Answer: To enter, travelers must visit the Cathay Pacific 'World of Winners' hub page. You will need to register as a Cathay member (which is free) and enter the giveaway during your region’s specific application window. Winners are typically responsible for paying the taxes, surcharges, and any additional fees associated with the ticket.
The distribution is organized into three distinct chronological phases to manage demand and airport capacity.
Distribution Phases by Region
| Region | Primary Launch Month | Key Carriers Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | March | Cathay Pacific, HK Express, HK Airlines |
| Mainland China | April | Cathay Pacific, HK Express, HK Airlines |
| International (US, Europe, NE Asia) | May | Cathay Pacific |
While the primary giveaway is for international visitors, a portion of tickets is also allocated for Hong Kong residents and travel trade professionals. It is essential to monitor the official airline social media channels, as the application windows often close within days or even hours once the quota is met.
Beyond Flights: Redeeming Your 'Hong Kong Goodies'
Winning a flight is only the first step. To ensure visitors experience the breadth of the city’s culinary and retail landscape, the HKTB has rolled out the "Hong Kong Goodies" program. This involves 1 million vouchers, each with a value of at least HK$100, which can be used at over 16,000 retail, dining, and transport outlets across the city.
Expert Insight: Unlike traditional discount coupons, these vouchers often provide a "free" experience, such as a signature cocktail at a world-class bar or a credit toward a Michelin-starred meal. The logistics of collection have been streamlined for the 2026 traveler.
To collect your vouchers, you should head to the Hong Kong Tourism Board visitor centers located at the Hong Kong International Airport (Arrival Hall), the Heung Yuen Wai Control Point, or the Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui. You will need a non-Hong Kong mobile number to register and claim the digital vouchers through the HKTB’s e-platform. These vouchers can be redeemed for a welcome drink at participating bars (including those on the "World's 50 Best" list) or used as cash vouchers at various transport hubs and shops.
The Ultimate 7-Day Hong Kong Itinerary (2026 Edition)
Hong Kong in 2026 is a city of layers—where colonial history meets high-tech infrastructure and rugged nature. This itinerary balances the classic tourist path with the "new" Hong Kong that has emerged over the last few years.
Day 1: Arrival & Classic Skyline
After landing at Chek Lap Kok, take the Airport Express to Central. Spend your first afternoon at the Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road. The contrast between the heavy scent of incense and the modern skyscrapers outside is the quintessential Hong Kong experience. As dusk falls, take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak for the definitive view of the harbour, then head down to Tsim Sha Tsui for the Symphony of Lights laser show at 8:00 PM.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion
Start your day in Diamond Hill at the Chi Lin Nunnery and the adjacent Nan Lian Garden. These Tang-style wooden structures are an architectural marvel, built without a single iron nail. In the afternoon, dive into the street food culture of Kowloon. Explore the markets of Mong Kok—the Ladies' Market and the Goldfish Market—before settling into a dai pai dong (open-air food stall) for a bowl of wonton noodles or beef brisket.
Day 3: Lantau Adventure
Lantau Island offers a necessary respite from the urban density. Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, which provides a panoramic 25-minute journey over the South China Sea. At the top, visit the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) and the Po Lin Monastery.
- Pro Tip: After seeing the Buddha, take a local bus to Tai O, the "Venice of the Orient," where the Tanka people live in stilt houses. It is the best place to buy traditional shrimp paste and see a different side of the city’s maritime heritage.
Day 4: Art & Modernity
The West Kowloon Cultural District is the new heart of the city's arts scene. Spend your morning at M+, Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece. In the afternoon, visit the Hong Kong Palace Museum to view rare artifacts from the Forbidden City. Finish the day with retail therapy in Causeway Bay, home to some of the world’s most densely packed shopping malls and department stores.
Day 5: Island Life
Hong Kong is an archipelago, and no trip is complete without visiting the outlying islands. For 2026 travelers, I recommend a comparison:
- Lamma Island: Famous for its "Family Trail" hike and fresh seafood restaurants in Sok Kwu Wan. It has a bohemian, car-free vibe.
- Cheung Chau: Known for its "Bun Festival" history and vibrant harbor. It offers a more local, bustling atmosphere with excellent street snacks.
Day 6: The Macau Extension
Just a short ferry ride or a bus trip across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge lies the UNESCO World Heritage site of Macau. Spend the day exploring the Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square. The blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures is unique. In the evening, the "Cotai Strip" offers world-class entertainment and dining that rivals Las Vegas.
Day 7: Hidden Gems & Last Bites
Spend your final day in the Sheung Wan district. This area has evolved into a hub for independent coffee shops, art galleries, and "cool" boutiques. Walk through the dried seafood streets to see a centuries-old trade still in action. Before heading to the airport, grab a final egg tart from Tai Cheong Bakery or a milk tea from a traditional cha chaan teng.
Essential Travel Tips: What Not to Do in 2026
Navigating Hong Kong requires an understanding of its unique urban rhythm. Here are the critical "dos and don'ts" for the modern traveler:
- Don't Treat HK Like a Layover: Many travelers make the mistake of staying for only 24 hours. To truly see the contrast between the "Vertical City" and the "Green City" (40% of Hong Kong is protected country parkland), you need at least 4 days.
- Left-Side Traffic: Be extremely cautious when crossing the street. Hong Kong follows the British system where vehicles drive on the left. Look right, then left!
- Strict Smoking Laws: Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places, including restaurants, malls, and workplaces. It is also banned in outdoor public areas like parks and beaches. Furthermore, be aware of strict limits on bringing tobacco into the city; the duty-free allowance is usually just 19 cigarettes.
- The Octopus Card is King: While digital payments like AliPay and WeChat Pay are common, the Octopus Card remains the most efficient way to pay for the MTR, buses, ferries, and even snacks at 7-Eleven. You can now add a digital Octopus to your iPhone or Apple Watch via the "Octopus for Tourists" app.
FAQ
Can I win more than one free ticket? No. Most participating airlines restrict entries to one per person based on passport numbers and email addresses. If you win a ticket from Cathay Pacific, you are generally ineligible for the draws held by HK Express or Hong Kong Airlines within the same campaign period.
What happens if I miss my region's application window? The "Hello Hong Kong" campaign is phased. If you miss the Southeast Asia window in March, you cannot apply during the Mainland China window in April unless you are a resident of that specific region. However, some smaller ticket batches are occasionally released via third-party travel agencies or social media contests, so keep a close watch on the official HKTB website.
Are the tickets truly "free"? The airfare itself is free (the "base fare"). However, the winner is responsible for paying all applicable taxes, fuel surcharges, and airport fees. On long-haul flights from Europe or the US, these fees can range from US$150 to US$350, so factor this into your travel budget.
Enter the World of Winners Giveaway →
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning fan, the current initiative makes 2026 the most cost-effective year to visit Hong Kong. The city has never been more eager to prove that its "East meets West" charm remains as potent as ever. Safe travels.
