The chosen participants, who were selected through a competitive application process, arrived in Hong Kong this morning on Cathay Pacific flights originating from various global ports, including New York, Sydney and London.

Fellow creative professionals and Instagram influencers Pei Ketron (@pketron) and Neil Shea (@neilshea13) will join the group, providing guidance and mentorship throughout the trip. Ketron is a San Francisco-based photographer, educator, speaker, and traveler who has worked with UNICEF, American Express, and Apple, among others. Shea, a former staff writer and regular contributor to National Geographic Magazine, has been a finalist for the National Magazine Award and the Overseas Press Club Award.

The adventure begins with five days of exploration absorbing the distinct culture of Hong Kong and firing up creative inspiration through mentor-led workshops. Following this, participants will break into smaller groups, flying onward to Siem Reap, Yangon, Bangkok and Delhi with Cathay Pacific Airways and sister airline Dragonair. The groups will design their own itineraries in each location, using their shared passion to find and feel the authentic rhythm of a place. Their reflections will showcase the variety and textures of life in each fascinating community.

“Asia is one of the most vividly beautiful and intriguing destinations in the world,” said Robecta Ma, Digital and Ecommerce Manager, Cathay Pacific. “We are excited to partner with Passion Passport and their creative community to bring these talented photographers and storytellers together for such a unique experience. We hope that Passport to Asia will serve as inspiration not only for those taking part but for everyone who lives and breathes the beauty of travel.”

With combined social media reach exceeding two million followers, mentors and participants will document their experience via their personal social media channels, in addition to coverage on the Cathay Pacific and Passion Passport social media channels:

Instagram: @CathayPacific and @PassionPassport

Twitter: @CathayPacificUS and @PassionPassport

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cathaypacificus and www.facebook.com/passionpassport

About Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific Airways flies daily to Hong Kong and beyond, including over 22 destinations in Mainland China, from six cities in the USA and two in Canada: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York (JFK), Newark Liberty, San Francisco, Vancouver and Toronto.

More information, including current fares and availability, may be found by visiting the airline's website at cathaypacific.com/us, Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cathaypacificus, Twitter @CathayPacificUS or Instagram @CathayPacific. For North American reservations, dial toll-free: 1-888-233-ASIA.

About Passion Passport

In 2012, founder Zach Glassman left a career in finance and ventured out into the world. Armed with little more than a backpack, a camera, and a fiery passion to travel, he traversed continents, met with people who inspired him, and explored places that made his heart sing.

As his Wanderlust Year drew to a close, he noticed himself a changed person. He wanted to share this transformative experience, but also to find a way to create unique opportunities for, and unite others through, travel. With this, the idea behind Passion Passport was born in the spring of 2013.

Since then, Zach has built a dynamic team and has helped grow a community of people around the world who share the same zeal for exploration. www.passionpassport.com