Hong Kong will give out 500,000 free air tickets to incoming travellers from March, in what Chief Executive John Lee described as "probably the world's biggest welcome ever". As Frank Yung reports, this is the centrepiece of a major push to lure visitors and businesses back to Hong Kong:

Former Tourism Commissioner and InvestHK boss Mike Rowse says it may take up to two years for the city's tourism industry to recover to pre-pandemic levels. He says the government's new 'Hello Hong Kong' initiative to draw tourists back to the city with half a million free air tickets is a good start, but a full recovery won't be possible in the short term, as key industries such as the cruise and exhibition trades run on a three-year planning cycle. He spoke to RTHK's Vicky Wong:

A hospitality management scholar says he hopes the government will focus on attracting mainland tourists when giving out air tickets. Raymond Siu from the Caritas Institute of Higher Education pointed out that before the pandemic, over 80 percent of tourists came from the mainland. He said that even with the relaxation of Covid measures, it is hard for the sector to return to pre-pandemic levels within this year. He told Vanessa Cheng that officials should prioritise short-haul tourism:

The head of the Arab Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong says the Chief Executive's trip to the Middle East will pave the way for stronger ties between the two sides. John Lee leaves Hong Kong on Saturday for a landmark visit to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. A top business group says while collaboration was limited in the past, the situation is set to improve, as Violet Wong reports:

Housing Secretary Winnie Ho says the government won't abandon its plan to build light public housing in Kai Tak, despite opposition from developers and some residents. But Ho said she's happy to hear their views on the project and the facilities it should provide. Maggie Ho reports:

One of the largest business organisations in Hong Kong has added its voice to calls for consumption vouchers for the public. The General Chamber of Commerce also suggested other short-term measures to boost the economy, including energy subsidies, and rent and salary tax rebates. Its deputy chairman, Agnes Chan, spoke to Ada Au about the chamber's wish list:

The Foreign Ministry says regional stability will be hurt after Washington and Manila announced an agreement to expand America's military presence in the Philippines. The plan – which comes under a 2014 defence pact between the two countries – grants US forces access to four more military camps in the Philippines. Aaron Tam has the details:

Australia's central bank has revealed that the face of King Charles III will not feature on the country's next five dollar notes. They currently show a portrait of the British monarch's late mother, Elizabeth II. The new design will honour the culture and history of indigenous people. Annemarie Evans spoke to RTHK’s Australia correspondent Gerry Gannon about the change: