Travellers are leaving home with an average of less than US$100 in their pockets. A survey by Visa International finds 43% of international travellers say they could imagine living without cash and cheques - and paying with plastic.
The survey of more than 700 globetrotters says they believe payment cards are more convenient (67%), safer (67%) and easier to replace if stolen (64%) than cash or cheques.
Of the nine nationalities surveyed, Brazilians were most likely to believe the world is moving to a cashless society (63%), followed by Canadians (52%), Britons (43%), Germans (43%) and Japanese (43%). Less optimistic about being able to give up their coins and bills were Australians (22%), Americans (27%), Egyptians (39%) and citizens of the United Arab Emirates (39%).
Cash has become obsolete, 37% says. Of those surveyed, 80% reach for their cards when paying for hotel accommodation, 75% when buying airline tickets, 71% for car rentals, 58% for restaurant meals and 63% for shopping while on their travels.
Don't be caught out in China - do your bookings online
China-based e-commerce travel website, Et-China.com has launched an English-language website. Available via the Chinese-language home page at www.et-china.com, the site offers online flight reservations for flights throughout China on China Southern Airlines, as well as real-time flight schedules, fares and even individual seat and meal selections.
Et-China.com CEO Matthew Ng says the website is particularly helpful for international travellers, who are already in China and need to book and purchase last-minute airline tickets or make overnight hotel arrangements. "Having the site available in English opens Et-China.com to the entire international travel community," Ng says.
Customers can make online payments for flights and hotel reservations through Et-China.com with its banking partners China Construction Bank, the Bank of China and China Merchant Bank. Et-China.com accepts all major credit cards.
The Forum offers flexibility, top-notch facilities
With the changing business environment and increasing demand for facilities providing conventions and corporate meetings, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) has created a flexible meeting venue called The Forum.
With an area of 2,000 square metres, The Forum is ideal for conferences, banquets, entertainment and special events. The venue accommodates up to 1,600 guests in theatre-style setting, 800 people in a classroom-style setting or up to 80 tables of 12 people for banquets.
"As Asia's premier exhibition and convention facility, our ongoing mission is to continually enhance our services and facilities. In view of the changing market needs, we believe The Forum will give our customers more flexibility and greater diversity of choices," says Allen Ha, HKCEC's director of business development.
The Forum is fully equipped with the latest audio-vidual equipment, lighting, a 36'x24' stage with a 10'x15' projection screen and a high-intensity remote-controlled projector. A full array of telecommunications services include satellite and video-conferencing facilities, mobile network coverage and high-speed data transmission.
For more information, please e-mail HKCEC's marketing and sales department at info@hkcec.com.hk or phone 25828888.
TAKING OFF
SHANGHAI SHUTTLE
Dragonair has announced a major increase in its daily flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong in its summer schedule until October 28. The airline will offer six flights a day from Sunday to Friday and five on Saturdays - a total of 41 a week.
CARAVELLE CELEBRATION
The Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City has achieved five-star status, two years after its re-opening. To celebrate the award by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the hotel is offering two five-star celebration packages valid until September 30. For details, e-mail dchres@hcm.vnn.vn
NEW LOOK FOR OLD DAME
The Hotel Meurice in Paris has reopened following a two-year restoration of its bedrooms, restaurants, public areas and façade. The upgrade of the 200-year-old hotel, situated just steps away from the Louvre, includes the provision of the latest in-room technologies, such as computer modems, fax links and interactive television. reservations@meuricehotel.com
WHY NOT UPGRADE?
Cathay Pacific Airways is offering Asia Miles members a 50% discount for Asia Miles Economy to Business Class upgrades until September 10. The offer applies to both one-way and round-trip tickets and can be used for all Cathay flights and routes except Middle East and India services. To qualify for the offer, members will first have to purchase a Cathay Economy Class ticket.
AMERICAN BEAUTY
Business travellers on American Airlines' international flights will soon be able to pamper themselves with an enhanced skin care kit from Origins. The "Spa" kits will be distributed before departure starting on September 1 to all First Class and Business Class passengers on American's flights between the US and Europe, Japan and certain points in South America.
SKYWARD HO
Frequent travellers with Emirates and SriLankan Airlines can now earn miles when they fly with either carrier and exchange these for free travel, seat upgrades and other benefits. This comes with the launch of Skywards - the industry's latest frequent flyer program. Members in the elite tiers are admitted into a prestigious Skywards business Alumnus, and enjoy a concierge service, and access to airport lounges even if they are flying Economy. www.skywards.com
KARACHI HERE WE COME
Cathay Pacific starts a new service between Hong Kong and Karachi, Pakistan, on September 1. The route, which will operate three times a week via Bangkok, should prove popular with business travellers given Pakistan's growing business links with Hong Kong. Karachi is Pakistan's major trading and commercial centre.
PLUG AND PLAY
All Mandarin Oriental Hotels will soon have high-speed "plug-and-play" Internet access. The system will allow any user to plug in their own laptap without needing to change settings, and to enjoy access to the Internet at speeds of up to 300 times faster than typical dial-up access. Each hotel will also have a customised website where guests can obtain information and access services offered by the hotel, as well as general information for visitors.
CONRAD FOR BUSINESS
Conrad International Hong Kong has been voted one of the top 10 hotels for business travel in the Asia-Pacific, according to a survey conducted by Conde Nast Traveler.
SUPERIOR STAY IN BEIJING
Corporate travellers can take advantage of a special deal on offer at the Harbour Plaza Beijing until the end of this month. Just US$110 per night will entitle corporate guests to a Superior Room plus a number of other benefits. A meetings package offers Superior singles for US$90 and doubles for US$110
THE TOP-TEN LIST
Arriving in a new city for the first time can be a daunting experience. Now you can find out where the 10 best places to eat, sleep and play are. 10Best.com, which launched recently, is expecting to cover more than 200 cities worldwide by the end of the year.
EATON 'N' DRINKIN'
Hong Kong's Eaton Hotel in Kowloon is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a range of special deals for diners, including cheap drinks - both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Could be the perfect place for a staff function.
IN THE FAST LANE
Qantas passengers departing from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne international airports can now fly through the annoying immigration and customs processes by using new express lanes.