Two Indonesia-bound package tours will start by the end of March,with prices of around 8,000 yuan (US$964),China International Travel Services said yesterday.

According to the State Travel Administration,travel agencies can open tours to Indonesia and Malta after March 1.

Among the tours will be one for eight days to Indonesia and Hong Kong for 8,680 yuan and a five-day tour of Indonesia and Bali Island for 7,580 yuan,said Wang Yanguang of China International Travel Services public travel department.

The initial Indonesia tour prices are about double the cost of tours to Singapore,Malaysia and Thailand,Wang said.Local charges for tours to Singapore,Malaysia and Thailand have been cut after years of operation,Wang said.The new Indonesia tours do not have direct flights and startup costs are very high,leading to the higher package tour charges,Wang added.

The Indonesia tour charges will be cut after direct flights become available and local charges are reduced,he said.

(eastday.com February 27, 2002 )