Prices of overseas travel are predicted to increase by 1,300 yuan (US$157) on average in the coming Spring Festival holiday, and travel itineraries with special features might be a hit, the Labor Post reported today.
   
"Although the air-carriers haven't announced their airfares for the Spring Festival holiday, our overseas travel costs are predicted to increase by 1,300 yuan," said Wang Fang, manager with the outbound department of Jinjiang Tours Ltd.

During the National Day holiday, regular tours such as to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand received cold shoulders, while special tours to the Maldives, Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines proving very popular.

In order to meet the market demand for special tours, this year, local travel agencies are trying hard to work out travel itineraries with special features, such as five-night luxurious tour to Thailand, with top-grade accommodations, buffets and entertainment services offered.

Tourists are paying more attention to the special features of package tours rather than the prices, said Chen Suiqin, manager with the outbound department of Shanghai China Travel Service.

The number of people signing up for luxurious tours to Hong Kong this year far exceeded that of last year, while the those joining 'shopping tour' with cheaper costs largely declined, Chen said.
 

(Chinawestnews.net December 8, 2003)