It's time to pack your bags and see the world again — and where better to start than in Hong Kong.

"Yes, Hong Kong is now finally open," says Donald Morris, Cathay Pacific country manager for the Philippines. "There are no more restrictions in Hong Kong. The borders are open. It's ready to welcome back visitors."

After the pandemic brought the travel industry into a virtual standstill, the international and domestic tourism is gradually restarting and reopening its doors to travelers. Airlines are reinstating routes.

"From survival mode from the last three years now we really are into recovery mode," adds Morris.

To encourage more people to travel and revisit Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific will hold its first Travel Fair (since the start of the pandemic) from 19 to 21 May at the SM Mega Fashion Hall. The theme of the travel fair is Hong Kong and Cathay has partnered with Hong Kong Tourism Board and Klook to bring a unique experience to each traveler.

"People are ready to travel and eager to travel again," observes Morris. "Looking at the last quarter of travelers into HK, topping the list is the Philippines. Filipinos love HK. It's their number one destination. "

He adds: "HK is ready and busy now. You don't see yet the massive influx of travelers from the mainland. It's nice to go now."

Cathay Pacific or CX now flies five times a day from Manila to HK and will soon increase to six times a day by December. From Cebu, it's four times a week and will increase to five times a week starting July.

"We are nearly in pre-pandemic levels and by the end of the year, we are going to reach 70 percent. By the end of 2004, we are back to 100 percent," Morris states.

Travel deals

Cathay Pacific fair will showcase great travel deals. More partners in HK must-experience destinations, such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park Hong Kong, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong and Legoland Discovery Centre Hong Kong will each offer exclusive deals for all attendees.