Contact:    Werner Escher    

               (714) 435-2013

Costa Mesa, CA – South Coast Plaza solidified its appeal to Asian customers, particularly the Chinese, as the shopping travel destination of choice, according to China Elite Focus, the leading digital marketing agency directed to outbound Chinese wealthy and affluent tourists.

Joining South Coast Plaza in receiving the 2013 Travel Awards which honors the very best luxury hotels, destinations, travel agencies and lifestyle experiences throughout the world were notable icons, including the Waldorf Astoria, New York (hotel), Trump National Golf, Washington D.C. (golf course), and Luxe Travel, Hawaii (travel agency). Also receiving accolades as the “Best Travel Experience” were New Zealand's Auckland and Switzerland's Gstaad.

In announcing the selection of these locations as “best,” Pierre Gervois, CEO of China Elite Focus, said, “the U.S. is now a popular travel destination for different Chinese tourists who distinguish great luxury shopping experiences like South Coast Plaza.” “The United States is the number one dream destination,” he added.

South Coast Plaza's continued emergence as a world-renowned shopping destination was first recognized by Visa International which identified South Coast Plaza as one of “America's Most Famous Streets to Stay, Shop and Dine.” Nine were selected including New York's Fifth Avenue; Rittenhouse Row, Philadelphia; Bal Harbour, Miami; Union Square, San Francisco; Michigan Avenue, Chicago; Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills; and Peach Street, Atlanta.

About South Coast Plaza

South Coast Plaza is the crown jewel of luxury shopping on the West Coast, and is recognized internationally for its unparalleled collection of over 250 boutiques, award-winning restaurants, spas and the adjacent world-renowned Segerstrom Center for the Arts.  Its stellar cast of diverse retailers — from Oscar de la Renta, Balenciaga, Hermès, Omega, and Harry Winston to Tory Burch, Barneys CO-OP, J. Crew, H&M and more — makes it Southern California's premier shopping experience.  Amenities include valet parking, currency exchange, foreign language assistance, personal stylist services and its acclaimed ACCESS Hospitality Suite which includes a dedicated Concierge, refreshments, WiFi and computer access, package check and more. South Coast Plaza is located in Orange County, California, in the city of Costa Mesa. For more information, visit www.southcoastplaza.com or call (800) 782-8888.

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