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Travel agents have reported an upswing in demand for luxury tours to the mainland as Spring Festival approaches.

Michael Wu, executive committee member of the Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents, said the majority of outbound tours to the mainland during the Chinese New Year holiday are now fully booked.

According to Wu, demand for luxury tours to Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and chilly Harbin have been particularly strong.

"There's definitely a trend in luxury outbound tours to the mainland in 2007 as the economy picks up," he said. "Many tourists now opt for five-star hotels and special cuisine and sumptuous dishes at swanky restaurants during their trips."

Wu predicts there will be a year-on-year 7 percent increase in outbound tours to the mainland during the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday.

A spokesperson for the China Travel Service also predicted a significant increase in the company's outbound tour business, especially for package tours to Huangshan in Anhui Province, Beijing and Harbin.

"The price of a four-day trip to Huangshan has risen to HK$4,100 ($525), but we still get a lot of customer enquiries. Jiuzhaigou is also becoming a popular destination, since many Hong Kong people want to experience a snowy New Year."

Creamie Lau, account manager for Dragon Holiday, also noted that the preferences of many travellers had shifted from major cities to more remote places, as tourists seek tranquility as much as comfort on their holidays.

"Some are ready to pay over HK$6,000 ($768) for a four-day trip to Beijing for top-end accommodation and transportation," said Lau. "Others look for more knowledgeable tour guides and exciting itineraries if they're going to a place like Jiuzhaigou."

Helen Yau, a tour guide with 10 years of experience in tours to the mainland, said most Hongkongers now prefer longer trips with more relaxed and unhurried itineraries and time for individual activities.

(China Daily February 14, 2007)