A travel agency in Shanghai has created a tour service for seniors to boost its sales in the flat business season, the Shanghai Evening News reported.

The first such trip, starting December 5, includes a whole month on Hainan Island for 3,950 yuan (US$478).  The a fee covers all expenses for travel, hotels and dining during that period, according to Shanghai Laochenghuangmiao Travel Service, operator of the tour.

Seniors can decide their own routes on the island, but have to pay additional admission fees to the tourist resorts or entertainment activities.

Despite the additional fees, the 3,950-yuan charge is attractive, compared with the normal service which usually costs 3,000 yuan for a five-day trip to the island, an official with Laochenghuangmiao said under conditions of anonymity.

His company also provides an alternative 15-day trip to the island, but the fee has not been revealed.

Data from Laochenghuangmiao indicated that senior have already become a strong customer base for the tourism market, particular those between 60 and 70.

In Shanghai there are 1.14 million people of that age group.

"Senior travelers prefer a trip with a loose schedule and at reasonable prices," the official said.

(Shanghai Daily November 19, 2004)