hong kong & macau
FEATURE 39
AT THE SLIP JOINED
Hong Kong & Macau Just 40 miles of water separate Hong Kong and Macau, but it’s more than just their proximity that makes the two a natural option for a twin-centre break or extended stopover, says Ben Lerwill
E
xperienced together, Hong Kong and Macau tick many of the boxes that make this part of the world such a big draw. Certainly,
if your clients are in search of luxury travel, a culinary adventure or just a sharp cultural blast to the senses, they will be well served. The two are, however, very different. Hong Kong is an established world city, a colonial cousin that has fully arrived in the digital-age; a mega-metropolis transposed onto a traditional Chinese culture. It’s a non-stop riot of street markets, skyscrapers and tales of the past, many of them relating to the centuries it spent as a British outpost. Some seven million people call it home, and it’s no exaggeration to call it one of Asia’s most spectacular cities. Macau has long ties with Europe too – it spent
centuries under Portuguese rule – but it’s a far smaller destination, in size if not in ambition. These days it’s best known for the dazzling mega-resorts that have made it a kind of Oriental Las Vegas (its casinos take far more cash than those in Vegas), but plenty of visitors are also
drawn by its UNESCO-listed historic centre and its burgeoning reputation as a tourism destination. “Hong Kong and Macau are both exciting places
to visit and explore,” says Matthew Clift, Far East Destination Manager for Hayes & Jarvis. “Macau is currently positioning itself as a quality
“We recommend travelling in spring to avoid the muggy summer climate. To secure the best deals, always book early to take advantage of available offers”
CARON STREETER, WORLDWIDE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE, VIRGIN HOLIDAYS
interest. It’s a great time to sell Hong Kong and Macau as a combination because the Macau addition is a relatively new concept to the UK market – it’s not the usual stopover choice and prices are very attractive at the moment.” The question of cost can sometimes be a barrier
for British travellers – there’s often a misconception that Hong Kong in particular has to be expensive but there are many places to visit that are relatively low cost such as, the World’s Most Affordable Michelin Starred Restaurant, Tim Ho Wan. John Parker, Product Manager at Premier Holidays, is another who feels it’s a timely moment for agents to be promoting the destinations. “Early 2014 has seen both airlines and
international tourist destination, and the news that David Beckham is involved in promoting the Sands’ properties there is sure to generate
www.sellinglonghaul.com
hotels offering reduced rates and special offers to drive business into Hong Kong throughout the year, so there has never been a better time to travel there,” he contends. “Clients can get a lot of value out of a holiday,
especially if they are prepared to travel in lower seasons, and the new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal
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