Southern Airlines' Shenzhen office has launched major reductions in ticket prices for newlyweds flying from the city from November 5.

 

It will cut fares by as much as 65 percent on its 34 domestic air routes.

 

Newly married couples can enjoy the 65 percent discount if they book return tickets seven days in advance. The definition of newlyweds, according to the company, is those who officially registered their marriage less than 180 days before the flights. They need to present their marriage certificates to ticket offices to claim the discount.

 

Another favorable package targets families of three or more. They are being offered discounts of 65 percent on reservations 30 days in advance, 60 percent 15 days in advance and 55 percent seven days in advance.

 

"We have seen that newly married couples and families are two groups who travel during the fall, so we hope the packages will cater to their needs," said the airline.

 

Popular destinations include Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Qingdao, Chengdu, Nanchang, Wuhan, Guilin, Haikou and Kunming.

 

The special offers will be available until the end of the year and are subject to a certain quota on each flight.

 

The tourism industry normally declines in fall and winter. Besides Southern Airlines, local travel agencies have also tried to stir up the market by slashing 50 percent off some package tours in joint efforts with Shenzhen Airlines.

 

(Shenzhen Daily November 10, 2006)