World of Winners
'OMG! It’s LEGIT!': 20,400 Filipinos win free roundtrip tickets to Hong Kong
Hong Kong's flag carrier Cathay Pacific has already notified the 20,400 lucky Filipinos who won free roundtrip tickets to the region.
Many individuals took to social media to celebrate the email they received for Hong Kong's World of Winners campaign. Aside from the free economy ticket, winners of the contest are also eligible to avail discounts on food, drinks, transport, admission tickets, and accommodation from partner establishments.
"Just got lucky!" a Facebook user wrote in a public post, as they shared a portion of the email he received.
"OMG! It’s LEGIT! Got an email from Cathay Pacific," another Facebook user said in a public post.
"THANK YOU LORD!!!! Yung first international trip ko, libre pa!!! Matatatakan na din yung passport ko this year!!" exclaimed one more.
On its website, Cathay Pacific reminded winners that the economy class roundtrip tickets from the Philippines to Hong Kong are exclusive of taxes and surcharges.
Travelers must use the ticket redemption code they received in their email by May 20, else risk forfeiting their prize. Travel period is until Dec. 20, while blackout period applies.
The codes are non-refundable or non-redeemable for cash or any other item. They must also be used by the winners only.
Cathy Pacific said winners must decide all flights and dates of their tickets at the time of booking, with a minimum stay period of two days and a maximum of seven.
Rebooking travel dates is subject to a fee of $155 (P8,400), while missing the free flight due to unforeseen circumstances will be treated as forfeiting the prize. There would be no refund and further rebooking, Cathay Pacific noted.
For over two years, Hong Kong had strict protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic in line with China's policies.
It reopened in May 2022 though enforced strict restrictions, like requiring tourists to present negative swab test results, undergoing hotel quarantine, and conducting self-arranged rapid antigen tests.
Hong Kong only eased travel requirements last Feb. 6 for visitors and returning residents.
The World of Winners campaign is part of Hong Kong's efforts to boost its tourism industry, giving away 500,000 free tickets worldwide, 80,000 of which going to Southeast Asia.