Welcome News For The HKTB

The Canadian office of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is in an upbeat mood after Canada announced that it was removing the temporary pre-departure test requirements for air travellers from China, Hong Kong, and Macao, effective March 17, 2023,

Michael Lim, HKTB Director for Canada, Central & South America, expressed his excitement, stating: “We welcome the removal of pre-departure test requirements for travellers from Hong Kong. Along with the relaxation of most travel restrictions in Hong Kong and the elimination of the city’s mask mandate, it is now more convenient for Canadians to visit Hong Kong.”

Lim added: “We look forward to welcoming our Canadian friends to immerse themselves in our rich culture, thriving arts scene, world-class dining, and breathtaking outdoors.”

In February, Hong Kong recorded a provisional visitor arrival of 1.462 million, three times January’s numbers, and it’s the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in February 2020 that visitor figures have surpassed one million, representing a substantial 30% of pre-pandemic levels.

In a bid to attract more international visitors, the HKTB recently unveiled its “Hello Hong Kong” global campaign, featuring 500,000 air ticket giveaways (with Canadians covering taxes and other fees) and 1 million visitor vouchers.

HKTB Executive Director, Dane Cheng, highlighted three pivotal strategies to rejuvenate Hong Kong’s tourism industry:

• Launching the “Hello Hong Kong” campaign worldwide, featuring promotional content on 3,000 platforms and thematic videos with celebrities and influencers, highlighting the city’s exciting experiences.
• Offering 500,000 air ticket giveaways through Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong Express, and Hong Kong Airlines, as well as over 16,000 welcoming offers and 1 million “Hong Kong Goodies” visitor consumption vouchers for use at bars, restaurants, hotels, and other establishments.
• Showcasing new attractions, including M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the new Peak Tram, Water World Ocean Park, and Hong Kong Disneyland’s “Momentous” show. Hong Kong will also host more than 250 events and festivals in 2023 and over 100 international MICE events, highlighting the city’s diverse appeal.

For more, go to www.DiscoverHongKong.com/ca.