800 Free Tickets to Hong Kong up for Grabs

Starting today, internet users can experience the multi-dimensional attractions of Hong Kong online and stand the chance of winning free air tickets to the city. All participants need to do is log on to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) web site at DiscoverHongKong.com, play the 'Hong Kong - Live it, Love it!' online game and sign up for a lucky draw.

Organised by the HKTB and sponsored by Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragonair, the 'Hong Kong - Live it, Love it!' online game offers 800 free round-trip air tickets from 26 cities worldwide to Hong Kong.

HKTB Executive Director Ms Clara Chong said that the 'Hong Kong - Live it, Love it!' global advertising campaign had received very positive feedback from the travel trade since its launch. In developing the online game, the Board aims to enable potential visitors worldwide to know more about Hong Kong and stimulate their desire to visit the city.

Ms Chong added that Hong Kong would be more enticing than ever this festive winter season as the Board would stage Hong Kong Winterfest, an extravaganza of fun-filled activities and special offers. Following that would be the International Chinese New Year Night Parade in January 2004 to showcase the Lunar New Year festivities in Hong Kong.

Besides strengthening Hong Kong's reputation, the mega-events will help boost visitor arrivals, in particular following the extension of the Frequent Individual Travellers (FIT) scheme to several Mainland cities. The launch of the online game, she explained, would further publicise the 'Hong Kong - Live it, Love it!' theme among global internet users and encourage them to come and enjoy the experience in Hong Kong.

"We are extremely grateful to Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragonair for their tremendous support of our tourism revival campaign. On top of bringing in many travel trade and media representatives to experience the tourism revival events in July and August, they have sponsored air tickets for this online game to help promote Hong Kong. We hope local residents will encourage their relatives and friends overseas to take part in the game actively so that they have a chance to join us to feel the joy and excitement this winter season. Then after visiting Hong Kong, they will share their wonderful experiences with others," she said.

The General Manager, Marketing of Cathay Pacific Airways, Mr Charlie Stewart-Cox said that Cathay Pacific was pleased to once again offer backing to the HKTB's initiative. "We are glad that we can contribute to bringing winners from our global network to experience the fascinations of Hong Kong. As the Hong Kong airline, we have been giving broad support to help rebuild Hong Kong's tourism industry and will continue to offer support to promote Hong Kong's status as a premium international travel destination," he said.

The General Manager, Marketing and Sales of Dragonair, Mr Andy Tung said that the 'Hong Kong - Live it, Love it!' online game was an innovative and fun way to promote Hong Kong. "From Dragonair's perspective, the initiative helps build on the recent relaxation in travel for individuals in Mainland China. As the airline of choice from the Mainland to Hong Kong, we are pleased to be lending our support," he said.

To cater for different market needs, the 'Hong Kong - Live it, Love it!' photo-matching game is available in four languages, namely Chinese (traditional and simplified), English, Japanese and Korean. Building on the themes of the advertising campaign, the photographs showcase the diverse, sophisticated and multi-dimensional attractions of Hong Kong, including shopping, dining, heritage and traditional festivals as well as the contrasting splendours of the city, harbour and greenery. 

From now until 23 December, eligible overseas participants can log on to the HKTB web site DiscoverHongKong.com and play the photo-matching game. Upon successfully matching the photos, participants enter the lucky draw, which will be held in four bursts. Winners can enjoy a free round trip, economy-class air ticket to Hong Kong from the selected port of departure. The earlier entries are submitted, the greater the chances of winning.

To enrich the winners' experience in Hong Kong and encourage them to bring along their families and friends, the Board has secured the support of about 50 hotels and various travel agencies to offer special hotel and tour packages to the winners.