China Economic Review
Charting China’s changing economic terrain · Since 1990
World Expo 2010 shopping moves
October 25, 2009
People who attend World Expos tend to buy local goods and souvenirs. The organizers of next year’s World Expo in China are trying to make the process simpler and more attractive.One proposal is that there should be a pre-paid card that will make it easier for tourists to shop and enjoy discounts. To push this idea, a road show has been created — first stop Singapore — which offers a preview of what visitors can expect.
The global exhibition is themed "Better City, Better Life" and is set to be the largest World Expo to date, attracting 242 countries and organisations.
The tourism board of China will issue a Shanghai Tour Card which is a pre-paid card that visitors can use during their stay there.
Connie Cheng, vice chairman, Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration, said: "With such a card, you have more privileges and benefits. It’s also convenient, with access to more than 30 domestic and foreign banks. The card, to a very large extent, will help us boost tourism consumption."
Channel News Asia reported that Leong See Kay, director of the World Expo Marketing Group, Singapore Tourism Board, said of the Singpaore Pavilion: "We started construction in early June and by November we’ll be able to do a topping out. The entire pavilion will be ready by February next year."