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Watch out for package deals to Pakistan during the summer. Naila Maqsood, Consul at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Hong Kong, says familiarisation trips are being organised for local travel agents to set up tours from the SAR, hopefully as early as Easter. And to encourage tourism, visa requirements have been dropped for British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders. Says Maqsood: 'Visitors just have to fill in a form on arrival and receive a 30 days landing permit.' Visa requirements have been dropped for nationals of 44 countries, including those of the US and UK. Pakistan has great potential for tourism, but the infrastructure is basic and the price of air tickets prohibitive. Pakistan Airlines (PIA) fly to Lahore from Chek Lap Kok thrice-weekly via Bangkok for $8,220. Thai International is around $7,800 and the cheapest possible flights, according to Hong Thai Travel, are with Gulf Air, at around $4,000, but passengers must fly via Abu Dhabi. The Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab Web site, www.tourism-punjab.com, has more information.
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Penang, the place to be
The deal of the month has to be three nights in a Penang beach resort, Malaysia, including return air fare, daily buffet breakfast and airport transfers for $2,390 on a twin-share basis. The package leaves the SAR on Friday afternoon and returns on Monday afternoon. It's only a three-and-a-half-hour flight and Penang is scorching right now. Choose from Holiday Inn, Golden Sands, Mutiara or Shangri-La Rasa Sayang. The Shangri-La option is only $2,890. The offer is open until March 12. Call Seven Seas Travel Service on 2541 3081 or fax 2854 1052.
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