Gaul-wise
Triumphantly defending its title as the world's most popular destination, France welcomed 75 million visitors last year, according to World Tourism Organisation (WTO) figures. Predictably, Paris, touted as the city of romance and culture, was the biggest attraction. Spain (52 million), the US (40 million) and Italy (39 million) finished second, third and fourth respectively in the global league. Meanwhile, the WTO maintains China will be the world's top tourist destination by 2020 - despite a Sars-inspired decline in visitors last year. The mainland lured 33 million guests in 2003, and although that represented a 10 per cent reduction on figures for 2002, China retained its place as the world's fifth-most visited location. And Sars or no Sars, international tourism receipts rose from US$474 billion in 2002 to an estimated US$514 billion last year, the WTO added.
Jet-set seat
Concorde may now be grounded forever, but there's a final chance to own a part of history while drawing attention to yourself in the office. Five hundred seats from British Airways Concordes are for sale, complete with casters, as chairs for use in the boardroom or study. Those with a burning desire to be the fastest thing on five wheels and a hankering for exclusivity will find a discreet plaque attached to their supersonic souvenir. The leather seats are being restored by manufacturers MGR Foamtex of Thame, Oxfordshire, England, who are adding height-adjustment levers. Prices for 'ordinary' examples start at #5,000 (HK$71,000), but if parking yourself on just any old seat of privilege isn't enough, seat 1A could be for you. Of the 100 seats on each Concorde, 1A was considered the most exclusive. It cushioned the royal rears of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, among others. The five 1A seats cost #10,000. There will be no auction and all orders will be processed as they're received; go to
www.concordeseats.com to stake your claim, or call (44) 1844 260444.
A little R 'n'R
Hong Kong's third airline, CR Airways, recently made its inaugural direct flight from Hong Kong to Danang, Vietnam. Its regular 75-minute service, scheduled to begin in the next few weeks, will replace that undertaken until recently by Vietnam's Pacific Airlines. CR Airways will operate Bombardier 50-seat regional jets on the new route, initially offering four-day charters. Danang is surrounded by four Unesco World Heritage Sites: the old silk-trading port of Hoi An; My Son, the spiritual centre of the Champa civilisation; former imperial capital Hue; and the mystical Phong Nha caves in Quang Binh province. All are within easy driving distance of the city. CR Airways flights will be operated in conjunction with the five-star Furama Resort Danang, located on China Beach. Through prior arrangement with the resort, Vietnam visas (costing US$30) can be issued on arrival. For details, call Farrington American Express Travel on 3121 3121 or go to
www.amextravel.com.hk.