South Korea's top prize for tourists during the coming Visit Korea Year will take some beating. The winner gets sponsored for three free visits to be taken at any month or year he or she chooses, plus one free visit for 16 - yes, 16 - family members and friends. All will be given business class return tickets, accommodation and tours of three nights/four days. The winner will also be invited to attend the opening ceremony of the World Cup soccer tournament in 2002 and be given a free cruise. There will be 2,001 prizes during the year, and winner number 2,001 will take the big one. Visitors must fill in an entry form on arrival at either of the two international airports - Seoul and Cheju Island - any time next year. Monthly prizes will include business class air tickets for a return visit. There's nothing new about free miles for frequent flyers, but now the idea has spread to rail travel. Passengers with Amtrak, the national rail service in the United States, can now earn points which can be exchanged for rail and air travel, hotel rooms and merchandise. Amtrak's Guest Rewards programme allows free air miles for flights with United and Continental Airlines; rooms at Hilton, Marriott and Starwood properties, and car rental discounts with Hertz. Amtrak's president, George Warrington, said recently they wanted to build long-term loyalty, and introduced a certificate allowing free travel in the case of trains arriving late or complaints against service during journeys. Meanwhile, Europe will offer a new rail pass from January 1. The Eurail Selectpass is the first new pass to be introduced in six years by the 17 nations that operate Eurailpass. The new pass is for first-class train and ferry travel for five, six, eight or 10 days to be taken over a two-month period and covers any three bordering countries. The price of the pass starts at around HK$2,550, going up to $3,700 for 10 days. Belgium, Luxem-bourg and the Netherlands count as one country. The shortest available Europass is for 15 consecutive days of travel in all 17 countries, and costs around $4,300. There are special savings with the Selectpass Saver for two or more people travelling together and the Eurail Selectpass Youth for people 25 or younger. The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai is planning a spring package for executives, with suite accommodation. Guests will be met at either of the city's airports, and there will be round-trip transfers by Mercedes-Benz, access to the Club Lounge with five daily food and beverage presentations, and the services of a dedicated concierge, complimentary use of a meeting room, check-in for a full 24 hours, and complimentary suit pressing. The 'Suite Experience' will be available from March 1 to June 30, and costs US$320 (about HK$2,500) a night for a Junior Suite and US$390 per night for an Executive Suite (left). The rate is subject to service charge, and a minimum stay of two nights. Call (86 21) 6279 8888 or check out the Web site: www.ritzcarlton.com San Francisco has opened a new international air terminal which, at around 278,000 square metres, is the largest in North America. Officials claim the terminal can process 5,000 arriving passengers an hour, a fourfold increase. The terminal also has a permanent art collection, an aviation museum and library. At the end of next year, a new rail link will whisk passengers from the airport to downtown in less than 30 minutes. London is one of the world's most expensive cities, but there are many attractions which are either free or very cheap. A new Web site lists galleries, exhibitions, markets, walks, musical events and many other attractions. The most expensive is the equivalent of HK$35. Check the Web site: www.LondonFreeList.com
