Trips magnify region's allure

WHEN Germans visit Hong Kong, shopkeepers are delighted. But Hans Schult, who organises holidays for 10,000 every year, wonders what the real attraction is.

'Hotels are getting expensive, prices for clothes and other goods are about the same as in Germany and there are few beaches or other natural attractions,' he said.

Mr Schult is managing director of Arlymear Travel Company, a leading Hong Kong-based agent for in-bound tours.

'It is the magic of the name,' Mr Schult said.

Last year, 219,706 Germans visited Hong Kong. Many were businessmen.

In the first six months, 129,852 visited the territory.

Germans spent about $1.3 billion last year on accommodation, food, entertainment and shopping during an average four-day stay .