With the World Health Organisation announcing this week that Hong Kong is finally free from SARS, ebookers.com, the online travel experts, today reports a massive increase in UK bookings to the Far East. Interest in flights & packages to Hong Kong has rocketed in the last 5 days with bookings up 110% on the same period 2 months ago �when SARS was at its worst.

For three months SARS was the most prominent issue affecting travel in the Far East. Before the virus hit, Hong Kong was a thriving tourist destination with 379,000 visitors last year alone. In contrast, this year in the months January to March 105,000 people visited Hong Kong but in April & May bookings fell by an astounding 80%. The sharp increase in bookings that ebookers.com have experienced this week proves that Hong Kong is indeed still a sought after destination for tourists, and is back on track in this recovery period.

Many factors have aided toward the increase in interest to the area. The tourist boards in the Far East have been keen to promote their destination, and have been working with companies such as ebookers in joint marketing campaigns. The airlines have ensured that discounted fares have been on offer to the consumer. This is the recovery period.

Says Ian Carter, Managing Director ebookers.com, �With the fantastic news that Hong Kong is now completely free of the deadly SARS virus, many people who have perhaps had to postpone their trips are now anxious to finally travel to this beautiful cultural destination. With sales already up 110% to Hong Kong and similar figures expected with Bejing next week, it shouldn�t be too long before things are back to normal and the Far East is once again bustling with tourists�.

MORE ABOUT HONG KONG:

150 years of British rule has left Hong Kong with a fascinating fusion of Eastern culture and Western modernism. The name conjures up images of vibrant colours and energetic activity, but it is easy to forget that three quarters of Hong Kong is actually rural.

Most tourists stay close to Hong Kong Island, which is only 78 sq km and makes up less than 10% of Hong Kong�s land area.

The island is undoubtedly the throbbing heart of Hong Kong home to Central, the main business centre, notable for its spectacular skyline of glittering steel and glass high rise buildings. Victoria Peak is the highest point on the island, and the famous peak tram will take you to the summit for spectacular views.

From Central, it is a seven minute ferry ride to Kowloon Peninsula on the mainland. Here you will find Tsim Sha Tsui�s Golden Mile, a shoppers paradise offering everything from hi-tech electronic gadgetry to designer fakes.

Hong Kong is an assault of sights, sounds and smells. It is difficult to imagine a city more full of life. You will find markets and street hawkers in between nonolithic skyscrapers, and don�t be surprised if you come across a Taoist Shrine tucked away amongst state of the art office complexes.

PRODUCT Hong Kong Island City Break: from �759 (per person based on a twin room) Price includes: Return flights from London Heathrow, airport taxes and five nights accommodation at The 5* Renaissance Harbour View Hotel, on a room only basis. Return transfers are available at an extra charge.

Travel Period: 1st of July � 31st of August 2003. Book by: 31st of December, 2003. Tel: 0870 043 3957 http://www.ebookers.com/products/holidays/asia/hongkong_island_citybreak.html

Pattaya: from �459 (per person based on a twin room)

Price includes: Return flights with Finnair from London Heathrow, and ten nights accommodation at the 2.5* Sunbeam Hotel on an a bed and breakfast basis. Return transfers are available at an extra charge.

Travel Period: 1st of July � 31st of August 2003. Book by: 31st of August, 2003. Tel: 0870 043 3957

Vietnam, 7 nights Tour from �1109 (per person based on a twin room) Price includes: One Way flights to Hanoi, and One Way from Saigon from London Heathrow with Singapore Airlines, airport taxes and seven nights Tour in major cities in Vietnam � private car with guide, standard accommodation and half board basis in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Danang and Saigon.

Travel Period: 24th of June � 31st of August, 2003. Book by: 31st of August, 2003 Tel: 0870 043 3957

Shanghai, from �575 (per person based on a twin room)

Price includes: Return flights with Air France from London Heathrow, airport tax, and five nights accommodation at the 3* Novotel Shanghai, 2 breakfasts & return private car transfers & full day tour to the Bund, Yu Garden and Jade Temple with lunch. Travel Period: 24th of July � 15th of August, 2003. Book by: 30th of June, 2003. Tel: 0870 043 3957

For further information please go to www.ebookers.com or contact Sophie Cork at The SPA Way Tel: 0207 928 2626 or email sophie.cork@thespaway.com

All holidays are subject to availability