Visitors to Hong Kong will no longer need to don face masks after the Hong Kong Government dropped the compulsory mask rule on 1 March.
The ruling applies to all outdoor and indoor areas, meaning travellers can now pose for photos or dig into dim sum in absolute comfort and without even carrying a mask.
“The announcement is perfect timing as Hong Kong prepares to host a line-up of exhilarating international mega events,” Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Director for Australia, New Zealand and The South Pacific Karen Macmillan told Karryon.
“We are particularly excited for the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, where the Australian men’s team will be defending their 2022 championship title, their first tournament win in 34 years. The Australian women’s team are also a hot favourite to take their own title in 2023.
“We can’t wait to welcome Aussies and Kiwis back to Hong Kong to cheer on their teams at one of the city’s biggest and best parties.”
Freebies from the first
The announcement comes as Hong Kong begins issuing free air tickets and ‘Hong Kong Goodie’ vouchers to travellers as part of an incentive to bring tourists back to the island.
Called “Hello Hong Kong”, the global campaign will see HK give away a total of 500,000 free air tickets as well as value-add, city-wide offers.
Airport Authority Hong Kong will distribute the tickets in phases through HK-based carriers Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong Express and Hong Kong Airlines.
Confidence in comeback
Hong Kong Tourism Board chairman Dr Pang Yiu-kai recently thanked the HKSAR Government for its efforts in supporting tourism to Hong Kong.
“With Hong Kong’s doors of tourism fully open and the global promotional campaign ‘Hello Hong Kong’ officially launched, the Hong Kong Tourism Board steps up promotions in Mainland and overseas markets to welcome back visitors,” Dr Pang Yiu-kai said.
“With Hong Kong’s competitive edge in tourism and the city’s unique geographical advantage, as well as the strong support from the Government, the HKTB is confident that Hong Kong’s tourism industry will recover steadily and progressively.”
Along with the Hong Kong Sevens event (31 March – 2 April), the region is also gearing up to host other mega events such as Clockenflap (3-5 March) and Art Basel (23-25 March).
In other good news for HK-bound travellers, Qantas also recently announced it would be reopening the Qantas International Lounge at Hong Kong Airport in April.
Hong Kong wound back its final entry restrictions on 29 December, when it announced that vaccinated overseas tourists could enter HK without undergoing PCR tests on arrival.
