Even with 500,000 Free Air Tickets Distributed... The Charm of 'China-ified Hong Kong' Plummets

Widespread Criticism of Large-Scale Tourist Attraction Promotions
Analyzed as Influenced by Democratic Protest Suppression
"COVID-19 Quarantine Measures Still in Place, City Charm Fading"

The Hong Kong government announced a large-scale tourism promotion, distributing hundreds of thousands of free airline tickets, but it has instead backfired.

On the 12th (local time), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, "Hong Kong, long regarded as an open and international city, has begun efforts to redefine itself after COVID-19 quarantine, but there has been a lot of negative reaction to the promotion."

The main reason Hong Kong's promotion has been criticized is that Chief Executive John Lee's statement that "there are no quarantines or restrictions" is disconnected from Hong Kong's COVID-19 prevention measures.

Victoria Harbour, a tourist attraction in Hong Kong, surrounded by fog. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

In the 'Hello Hong Kong' campaign video produced by the Hong Kong government, people are shown dancing without masks, but in reality, it is known that a fine of 5,000 Hong Kong dollars (approximately 810,000 KRW) must be paid if masks are not worn in indoor and outdoor public places.

There was also criticism that the government-led campaign failed to properly show the "reasons to visit Hong Kong."

The founder of a Hong Kong design firm harshly criticized, "The campaign did not distinguish at all whether people can do things in Hong Kong now that they cannot do in other cities, or what people want to come to Hong Kong for."

Victoria Hui, a political science professor at Notre Dame University, told WSJ, "The crowded streets and buildings may look the same as before, but what really matters is the city's soul," and criticized, "Hong Kong's brand has been destroyed, and its soul is empty."

She added, "People were willing to visit Hong Kong even when it was the most expensive city in the world," and analyzed, "The distribution of free airline tickets now means that Hong Kong is no longer attractive without incentives."

Sharp Decline in Tourists After COVID-19... "Impact of China's Control Over Democratic Protests"

On the 2nd, Chief Executive John Lee announced the 'Hello Hong Kong' campaign.

Before COVID-19, in 2019, Hong Kong was one of the world's most prominent tourist cities, with 56 million visitors annually. However, by August last year, the number of tourists visiting Hong Kong had dropped drastically to 180,400. In response, the Hong Kong government announced it would spend 2 billion Hong Kong dollars (approximately 350 billion KRW), including distributing 500,000 free airline tickets, to revitalize the tourism industry.

At the announcement of the 'Hello Hong Kong' campaign on the 2nd, Chief Executive John Lee said, "Hong Kong is now entering a new phase from stability to prosperity, reconnecting with Mainland China and the world," adding, "It is time for tourists, investors, entrepreneurs, and startups to visit Hong Kong, feel the city's vitality, and seize opportunities for prosperity."

WSJ evaluated the sharp decline in Hong Kong's tourism popularity by stating, "After a series of events including the Chinese government's control over Hong Kong's democratic protests and strict COVID-19 prevention policies, Hong Kong has lost many of the special qualities it once had."

As the Chinese government has openly strengthened ideological censorship and restricted freedom of the press and expression, it is reported that 113,000 citizens left the city over a 12-month period until mid-last year. Additionally, trust in the local government has fallen to an all-time low since the 2019 democratic protests.

Meanwhile, in the ranking of "Most Attractive Cities for East Asian Migrants" released by ECA International earlier this month, Hong Kong was rated low in preference among foreign residents, dropping 15 places from last year to 92nd place.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.