This is the fifth consecutive year the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has organised the summertime mega-shopping promotion.

The move is aimed at competing with Thailand and Singapore, both of which have launched similar campaigns in the past. The three nations are vying to become the shopping centre of Asia and hope to encourage the circulation of foreign currency through shopping sprees.

Participating outlets include malls and department stores, open-air markets, top-brand flagship stores, authentic Chinese speciality-store clusters, trendy boutiques and themed shopping streets. Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) surveys show that visitors are particularly interested in open-air markets and authentic Chinese specialities (for an "authentic" Chinese shopping experience) in addition to shopping malls and designer boutiques.

Once again, the HKTB is organising its popular lucky draw, featuring 113 prizes worth a total 2.7 million Hong Kong dollars (Bt13.33 million).

The event is expected to attract travellers from Thailand and elsewhere in Asia.

Hong Kong last year launched its latest attraction, Hong Kong Disneyland, which is crowded with foreign tourists, and many from China proper.

Last month, the Singapore Tourism Board launched its Great Singapore Sale, which runs to the end of next month and offers discounts of up to 70 per cent on food, electronics and jewellery, as well as an opportunity to win cash and other prizes.

The Singapore Food Festival and the Singapore Arts Festival are running in conjunction with the sale.

For the occasion, Singapore Airlines is offering super-discounted round-trip deals from now to September 15. Round-trip economy-class rates from Bangkok to Singapore start at Bt3,500, while three-day two-night packages go for Bt5,990 and up.

Other round-trip destinations from Bangkok include Tokyo and Osaka, starting at Bt12,500; Perth, from Bt13,500; and Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, beginning at Bt15,500.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation