Hong Kong International Airport has announced details of a new complimentary half-day tour for travellers visiting Hong Kong as part of a stopover.

Air passengers visiting Hong Kong whilst in transit, who meet its entry requirements and have a layover of more than seven hours, are now eligible to make the most of their travel time and turn one trip into two with a tour of Hong Kong’s highlights.

Free of charge and complete with a guide, the new Free Layover Tour programme offers the chance to experience some of the city’s culture and iconic landmarks. The ‘Heritage and Local Lifestyle Citywalk’ itinerary includes a visit to Wong Tai Sin Temple and the bustling markets of the Sham Shui Po neighbourhood, whilst the ‘Victoria & West Kowloon Waterfront Journey’ features the contemporary West Kowloon Cultural District followed by a stroll along the Avenue of Stars for scenic views of Victoria Harbour at night. The new tour service is jointly organised by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) and Trip.com.

In addition to this, Cathay Pacific’s Stopover programme gives passengers the opportunity to extend their journey and explore Hong Kong for 1 to 7 days, offering the best of both worlds with two holidays in one. This stopover allows travellers to immerse themselves in Hong Kong's vibrant culture, food, and sights without paying extra for the fare, while en route to destinations like Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, among others.

Commenting on the programmes, Anette Wendel-Menke, Director, Europe at the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said: Hong Kong is well established as a favourite stopover destination, offering a much-needed break on long-haul journeys. While extended transit times can be challenging, the new layover programme enhances the visitor experience and allows travellers to maximise their time away. These convenient, half-day tours let visitors make the most of their time by exploring some of the city's top cultural attractions."