A big discount shocks the travel market with mere 700 yuan (US$84) for a Hong Kong visit from Guangdong from September 1, according to the only two travel agencies in South China's Guangdong Province, South Cosmopolitan Newspaper reported today.

The price has hit a-10-year record's low, and travel routes all cut the price by an approximate 20 per cent margin on average.

Three to four days' travel price has decreased from 1,860 yuan to 1,500 yuan, and 13 days' from 1,970 yuan to 700 yuan.

Sources with the two travel agencies explained several reasons for the price cut. Firstly, Hong Kong has promoted a seven-day-stay visa, and a return ticket within East-South Asia makes a short Hong Kong visit possible. Secondly, Hong Kong is a main portal for domestic visitors to go abroad. A discount by large margin helps to enhance the travel agencies' competitiveness. Thirdly, the price regulation has got nod from Hong Kong's other industries in advance.

(Eastday.com.cn 08/20/2001)