A recent survey conducted by Mastercard showed that Hong Kong kept its leading position in Asia to be the best shopping place due to its geographical locations and various top-branded products from Europe and the United States.

By 2011, tourism revenue from shopping in Hong Kong is expected to reach 11 billion US dollars from the 6 billion US dollars in 2006. The survey revealed that Hong Kong was a favorite destination for mainland visitors.

The second on the list is Bangkok. Shopping revenue in the city will be 2 billion US dollars in 2006 and will reach 3.5 billion US dollars six years later. Visitors like the city for the “unique experience in Thailand”. However, transportation remains an obstacle for visitors to the city.

Seoul ranks third ahead of Singapore. The Korean capital attracts visitors for its ethnic feature and the Singapore boasts for its top-class retailers.  

(Chinanews.cn August 27, 2005)