Change of place - and face - for tourists

[davewilson]

HONG KONG: Tourists from Hong Kong can now look forward to having cosmetic surgery or speeding in a fabulous Ferrari as part of the thrills to go with sightseeing and shopping overseas.

The new marketing plan is the result of fierce competition in the tourism industry of the special administrative region

Cosmetic surgery has been the talk of the town in recent months, especially after a beauty clinic got a local actress to be its spokesperson. The actress appeared on magazine covers and in newspaper headlines after details of her cosmetic surgeries came to light.

To cash in on the fad and to explore a new segment of outbound tourists, Hong Thai Travel Services will join hands with the beauty clinic to launch a cosmetic surgery tour to the Republic of Korea  in a few months.

The actress will act as a guide for the tourists visiting a cosmetic surgery hospital in ROK for an overview of the procedure.

Seminars offer insight

Renowned surgeons will conduct seminars for the tourists and give them an insight into beauty treatment. Recommendations and referrals are possible, too.

Sightseeing and other usual activities will be an integral part of the four- or five-day package, Hong Thai general manager Lau Mei-sze said.

The cost will be a tad higher than the regular package tours to the ROK and won't cover the cosmetic surgery charges. "We're only acting as an intermediary and our customers can decide whether they want any cosmetic surgery," Lau said. "So our company won't be responsible for any consequences."

The prospects for such packages certainly seem rosy because the Travel Industry Council (TIC) foresees a 30 to 50 percent increase in local travel agents' business this year.

"With the surge in the stock market, travelers are keen to enjoy luxury package tours in business class seats and fancy hotels and restaurants," TIC executive director Joseph Tung said.

Sunflower Travel and China Travel Service have seen a 30 percent increase in their package tours to Europe and the mainland for the Spring Festival holidays, their spokespersons said.

Craze expected

Since Hong Kong travel agents are not offering lower prices and focusing primarily on high-end customers, Lau said the theme tours and luxury packages could become a craze this year.

Sunflower Travel associate general manager Alcuin Li said the company would launch a series of theme tours, including a special one to Italy for Ferrari lovers.

"The tourists could choose from eight Ferrari models, including the latest ones. Our customers can enjoy Ferrari rides at 200 kilometers an hour. A number of local guides would make sure they don't get lost."

But the charges per head could be more than HK$10,000 a day, Li said, for the tourists would be staying in classy hotels and dining in swanky restaurants.

Consumer Council deputy chief executive Lau Yin-hing, however, urged people to study the terms and conditions carefully and assess the risks before they sign up for such tours.

"They should see if there could be problems in communication with doctors and analyze the possible consequences of the surgery," Lau said. "They should also see whether the expenses are covered by travel insurance and whether they could get compensation in case of an accident."

Anything to save face......Still no pen!
The Stig