COX & KINGS ANNOUNCES 67% GROWTH IN MIDDLE EAST AS IT LAUNCHES ITS NEW BROCHURE TO THE REGION FOR 2009.

Cox & Kings has launched its new Far East brochure for 2009, featuring a comprehensive programme of escorted group tours, private journeys and tailor-made holidays throughout China, Japan, Mongolia, South East Asia and Indo-China.

China continues to be the company�s biggest seller in the region, and Far East Product Manager Yaow Butwisate predicts another strong year in 2009: �Now is a great time to visit China. The country�s tourism industry is booming, and there has been a definite increase in interest amongst British travellers following the wonderfully successful 2008 Olympics, the new Mummy film set in China and the recent display of the Terracotta Warriors at the British Museum.�

For 2009, Cox & Kings has launched a new 14-night private journey that explores traditional China. China�s Ancient Heartlands (Page 22) starts in Beijing, with stays in the ancient hutong (back street) district and unique Chinese guesthouses, and visits Chengde and the well-preserved city of Pingyao en route to Xian, home of the Terracotta Warriors. The tour then travels to the summit of the sacred Huang Shan to take in the magnificent peaks that have inspired generations of Chinese painters. Take a cable car up the mountain and spend a full day walking through the scenic area. Continue to Hangzhou in the Yangtze River Delta and end the tour in vibrant Shanghai. From �2,845 per person including flights with British Airways, accommodation with breakfast and lunch, transfers and all excursions.

Yaow also expects to see an increase in Yangtze cruises in the run up to the final stage of the dam flooding in September 2009. �While the flooding is not expected to detract from the stunning natural beauty of the area, the water is set to rise by 100 metres in some places, submerging a greater proportion of the limestone peaks. 2009 will be a popular time to visit while the scenery is at its most dramatic�.

After China, Cambodia is Cox & Kings� second-biggest selling Far East destination and the company has reported an increase in clients travelling on tailor-made itineraries that venture beyond the typical sites of Angkor Wat. �The country is jam packed full of culture, and has plenty to lure second and third time visitors back to see more once they have ticked off Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.�

In response to this trend, Cox & Kings has launched a new private journey for 2009 that travels away from Cambodia�s beaten track and includes stays in de luxe tented camps close to the little known temple sites of Kor Ker, Beng Melea and Preah Vihear, recently announced a World Heritage Site. Jewels of Cambodia (page 53) is a 13-night private journey that also includes a stay in Kep and the beaches of Sihanoukville. From �3,995 per person including flights with Thai Airways, accommodation with most meals, transfers and all excursions.

NEW: Hidden Treasures of Japan Cruise (page 36): This 11-night itinerary explores the Inland Sea, dotted with more than 3,000 islands. Visits are made to the islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoko to discover castles, gardens and temples in some of Japan�s most historic towns and cities, including Kurashiki, Hiroshima and Hagi. Prices from �4,495 per person.

NEW: Grand Asia Cruise (Page 36): This epic 17-night voyage starts from Japan�s Inland Sea, and travels to South Korea�s tropical island of Jeju, across the Yellow Sea to Shanghai, past Suzhou and Xiamen to Hong Kong. From here, set sail for the South China Sea and Danang in central Vietnam, and visit Hoi An and Hue before ending in the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay. Prices from �5,695 per person including flights, accommodation with breakfast (full board on the cruise) transfers and all excursions.

-Ends-

If you would like to request a copy of the new 2009 Far East brochure please contact Laura Smith on 020 7873 5006 or email laura.smith@coxandkings.co.uk