Prasenjit Chakraborty - Mumbai The Hong Kong Government has announced that it will be providing 5 lakh free air tickets to all those wishing to visit the city. This move is to boost tourism in the region. Hong Kong recently launched the promotional campaign Hello Hong Kong globally. They are also offering ‘Hong Kong Goodie bags’; each bag has a voucher of HKD 100. And visitors can redeem it at dining, attractions, shopping etc. It is valid till December this year.
Puneet Kumar, Director, South Asia & Middle East, Hong Kong Tourism Board, while speaking to TravelBiz Monitor on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai, said that this is actually the biggest invitation to tourists across the globe to visit Hong Kong. When asked to comment, how many air tickets are allotted to India? He said, “It will be decided after discussing with airlines and airport authority.” Talking about the response, he said that it is too early to say anything now but the response from the media across the world, including India is quite encouraging.
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) recently organised two roadshows in Mumbai and Delhi. The two events witnessed the participation of airlines, attractions, DMCs, etc. and exhibitors interacted with the Indian partners to reactivate the business. “It is our step forward to re-engage with the India market,” said Kumar.
He also said that in the last three years there have been many developments in terms of infrastructure, tourism products and new experiences. “All these offer new opportunities for travel brands to sell Hong Kong and beyond,” pointed out Kumar.
Hong Kong is no longer to be seen as a destination for business travellers only. “Green Tourism and soft adventure are the other aspects of Hong Kong Tourism. I am sure, with this Hong Kong will attract more Indian tourists,” he said.
Have you set any target from India for the year 2023? “Now, we are looking for a return of air capacity. Because this is (return of air capacity) coming in phases. Right now, Cathay Pacific is operating 30% of their pre-pandemic frequency and it is expected to reach 70-75% by the year end. So, business recovery will happen in phases not immediately.”
Talking about connectivity, he said that besides Cathay Pacific, Vistara may launch flights to Hong Kong. “The announcement should come from them. We have also spoken to IndiGo to re-start their flights from Bengaluru, and they express their eagerness to do so,” he said.
