An estimated 2 million tourists are expected to visit Hong Kong around the Christmas and New Year holidays. In addition to sightseeing, shopping is another inevitable activity.

Hong Kong’s retail sectors have spared no effort in creating a festive atmosphere by putting a considerable investment on Christmas trees and lights. The Christmas trees and other festival decorations have become new scenic spots that attract both tourists and local residents.

SOGO at Causeway Bay is advertising a deal on its front door — every accumulated purchase of HK$500 (US$64.4) on the same day entitles a customer to a lucky draw ticket to win prizes such as a hot springs tour of Japan for two or a Sony digital camera. Ten winners of top prizes will win the hot springs tour and 10 of second prizes will get a Sony digital camera.

As a major gate to Hong Kong, the international airport will add more high end brand name shops in December. Prada, Tiffany, Baccarat, Ralph Lauren and Christian Dior, which have not opened any airport shops elsewhere, will open their first shops at Hong Kong International Airport.

Longchamp, Swatch, Gucci, Chanel, Hermes and several other world brands will also open shops at the airport at a later date.

Reports from Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing said the cities have witnessed a surge of applications for individual visits to Hong Kong and shopping in the “Shopping Paradise” will be the main mission for many tourists.

(Xinhua News Agency December 16, 2003)