Many Asian countries are offering creative tour packages to local travelers in the face of new competition from recently approved destinations such as Europe and Africa.

Shopping has always been a large draw for local travelers, but companies are now offering packages for those interested in learning yoga, parents who want their kids to get a little education while on holiday and honeymooners looking for some movie-inspired romance.

Spring International has designed a seven-day packaged tour to India for tourists looking to learn yoga and explore traditional Indian culture.

Tourists will visit Rishikesh, a city famous for its Hindu temples and yoga ashrams, attend a holy ceremony to welcome the Hindu gods, and receive yoga training at New Delhi's Indian cultural center.

"Professional yoga teachers will first talk to our clients, and then tailor different courses to suit each of them," said Zou Qingling of Spring International.

He said the trip has proven attractive to white-collar workers interested in exercise, and yoga instructors.

Shanghai New Comfort International said it will begin offering honeymoon tours in October to Redang and Sabah in Malaysia.

The tour, inspired by a popular movie, includes a group wedding ceremony and candle-lit banquet.

Malaysia has become a popular destination for honeymooners ever since the romantic Hong Kong film "Summer Holiday," which was shot on Redang Island, was released in 2000, said He Jianlei, general manager of New Comfort.

Educational tours to Australia and Britain are gaining popularity with local parents.

Shanghai CYTS said an Australian summer camp tour that began at the start of this month sold out quickly.

The camp runs for 21 days and costs 23,800 yuan, according to general manager Wu Derong.

Students will visit Sydney University and several other schools, stay with Australian families, and take part in an English training course.

Since many of Asian countries have been open to Chinese group tourists for years, they are no longer considered fresh and exciting compared to new destinations such as Europe and North Africa, he said.

(Shanghai Daily August 1, 2005)