Hong Kong is giving away 30,000 free roundtrip plane tickets to Pinoys starting this week

This is not a drill. This may be your chance to travel to Hong Kong without breaking the bank. Starting this Friday, March 3, about 30,000 plane tickets will be given away to lucky residents in the Philippines via the promotional activities of Hong Kong's three home-based airlines: Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong Express, and Hong Kong Airlines.

This big travel opportunity is part of Airport Authority Hong Kong's (AAHK) newly launched "World of Winners," a ticket giveaway campaign that will give 500,000 free tickets to HK's major passenger markets in the region. About 135,000 out of that total number of tickets will be allotted to the Southeast Asia markets, including the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

The World of Winners campaign is an initiative to energize tourism again in Hong Kong

Vivian Cheung, Chief Operating Officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong

"Hong Kong has fully opened up and we are eager to welcome visitors from different parts of the world," said Vivian Cheung, chief operating officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, at a media con held at Fairmont Makati this afternoon.

"Travelers visiting Hong Kong are no longer required to undergo COVID-19 testing or to quarantine upon arrival. And starting today, wearing a face mask is no longer mandatory in Hong Kong."

To meet the demands of the new normal and the sudden influx of tourists, the Hong Kong International Airport terminal had been given a major facelift, with new services and facilities to boot.

"We also upgraded everything. If you go there, and you compare it to the old airport, everything looks brand new. We have brand new ceilings, floors, bathrooms, toilets, automation everywhere. Hopefully when you go there, you will all like it," added Vivian.

They have also implemented better processes at the airport to make entry into the cosmopolitan Asian city easier, faster for tourists.

"In Hong Kong, efficiency is everything. If you get past our security point, we have a standard 4-5 minutes queuing time. If you pass security, and the queuing time is more than 4 to 5 minutes, tell us, complain to us," explained Vivian, who has 30 years of experience in airport management.

"We want people to go through so fast, and we use everything, facial recognition, so supposedly you can go through security, immigration in about 10 minutes. I don't think any other airport can meet that standard. So we don't want the airport to take away the time you're supposed to be enjoying in Hong Kong."

Flanked by two Cathay Pacific flight attendants in red, Daniel Chan of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (second from left), Vivian Cheung of Airport Authority Hong Kong (middle), and Donald Morris of Cathay Pacific Philippines smile for the cameras.

Those interested to join the ticket giveaway promo may have to do some reading first, as the three participating HK-based airlines may have different requirements and processes.

Cathay Pacific's promo, for instance, is on a first come, first served basis. And you have to register and become a member first before you can join the promo. Hong Kong Airlines, on the other hand, has already started theirs today (March 1).

But the best thing about the whole thing? Regardless of the airline, the free tickets are all roundtrip economy-class tickets. The lucky winners will also receive special offers on hotel accommodations, shopping, and entertainment from AAHK's partners.

Apart from invigorating tourism in Hong Kong, the ticket giveaway campaign was actually AAHK's support to Hong Kong's aviation industry, which was heavily affected by the travel restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you've been dreaming of dim sum, beef brisket noodles, milk tea, and steamed rice rolls recently, take this as THE sign. But better prepare yourself because, for sure, it's going to be a test of your 'diskarte'.

Details about the World of Winners campaign can be found at https://wow.hongkongairport.com/lang/en/tickets .

MEANWHILE, CHECK OUT THE TRAVEL PHOTOS OF CELEBRITIES IN HONG KONG IN THE GALLERY BELOW.