Breaking Travel News – Hong Kong, September 2025
Global travel giant Trip.com has introduced a groundbreaking free layover tour service at Hong Kong International Airport, transforming lengthy transit waits into enriching cultural adventures for international travelers.
The innovative program, officially launched this month, represents Trip.com’s latest expansion of their successful layover tour concept, following the popularity of their Shanghai Express and Beijing Express services. The Hong Kong initiative offers six carefully crafted half-day itineraries designed to maximize transit time while showcasing the city’s unique blend of East-meets-West culture.
Revolutionary Transit Experience Program
The free layover tour service is available to all international passengers transiting through Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), regardless of whether they are Trip.com customers. To qualify for the complimentary tours, travelers must have a minimum layover duration of seven hours.
Jane Sun, Chief Executive Officer of Trip.com Group, emphasized the company’s vision during the launch ceremony: “We believe the future of travel lies not only in reaching destinations, but in transforming every moment into a unique and memorable experience. By reimagining every point in the journey as an opportunity, we are opening new ways to inspire travellers, empower destinations, and set a new standard for how the global travel ecosystem fosters connection and drives growth.”
Strategic Partnership with Hong Kong Airport Authority
The collaboration between Trip.com and the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) aims to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a premier international aviation hub while boosting local tourism revenue.
Mrs Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, commented: “We are delighted to introduce this new free local tour service for transfer passengers at HKIA to turn transit time into cultural exploration opportunities. With the support from Trip.com, we look forward to presenting Hong Kong’s unique beauty to travellers from around the world and promoting tourism, through which we aim to attract more passengers to transfer at Hong Kong.”
Six Unique Itinerary Options Available
The layover service features six distinct routes, with three complimentary options and three premium paid experiences. All itineraries are curated using Trip.Best rankings, which leverage artificial intelligence to analyze real traveler reviews, ratings, and booking data for optimal route planning.
Free Tour Options:
- Urban Skyline Experience: Showcasing Hong Kong’s iconic cityscapes and modern architecture
- Natural Heritage Tour: Highlighting the territory’s stunning natural landscapes
- Cultural Discovery Route: Exploring local traditions and historical landmarks
Premium Tour Options:
- Lantau Island Adventure: In-depth exploration of the island’s monasteries and cable car experience
- Victoria Peak Summit: Comprehensive visit to Hong Kong’s most famous viewpoint
- Tai O Fishing Village: Authentic experience of traditional stilt house communities
Seamless Booking and Service Experience
Travelers can secure their layover tour through multiple convenient channels:
- Trip.com mobile application
- Official Trip.com website
- On-site registration at HKIA transit counters (E134 and E135)
- Trip.com Travel Services Counters (A03 & A04) in Arrival Hall A
Each four-hour tour accommodates up to 20 participants and includes professional English-speaking guides, round-trip airport transportation, and all necessary logistics. The service has been strategically timed to align with peak transit hours, ensuring maximum accessibility for international passengers.
Enhanced Travel Services Hub
Beyond the layover tours, Trip.com has established a comprehensive service counter at HKIA offering:
- Day tour bookings and consultation
- Transportation arrangements
- Accommodation reservations
- Attraction ticket purchases
- eSIM card sales
- Essential travel accessories
- Exclusive welcome gift packages
Streamlined Re-entry Process
To ensure seamless flight connections, tour participants receive fast-track passes for re-entering the airport’s restricted areas. This innovation eliminates common concerns about missing connecting flights while exploring the city during layovers.
Industry Impact and Future Expansion
This initiative positions Trip.com as a pioneer in transforming traditional airport transit experiences. The program addresses the growing demand for experiential travel while supporting destination marketing efforts and local economic development.
The success of Trip.com’s existing layover programs in Shanghai and Beijing demonstrates strong market demand for such services. Industry analysts predict similar initiatives may expand to other major international transit hubs across Asia-Pacific.
For travelers seeking to maximize their layover time in Hong Kong, the Trip.com free tour service eliminates the traditional barriers of language, logistics, and local knowledge while providing authentic cultural experiences at no additional cost.
Registration for the Hong Kong layover tours is now open through all designated channels, with tours operating daily based on flight schedules and demand.
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