News

CHINA operators are set to pursue aggressive marketing and promotional activities after the Foreign and Commonwealth Office lifted its travel ban to Beijing.

Operators took the country off sale in April following the outbreak of SARS and subsequent travel advisories from the FCO. Operators also felt there was little point selling China without Beijing.

To stimulate demand, operators are planning a range of initiatives, including reduced prices and special offers.

Intrepid Travel is reducing prices by one-fifth for all breaks booked by the end of this week to China and Tibet this August and September.

Bales Worldwide will also launch special offers. Managing director Mandy Nickerson said: “We need to do something that will boost the number of departures. This might include two seats for the price of one in club class.”

Kuoni product director Francis Torrilla said there would be cheaper prices for certain departures in coming weeks.