Asia will buy its way back into the market. It is offering great value, and now there is also value outside the hotels. Since Tropical Locations launched its brochure in September, bookings to Asia have been slow. Our sales to the Caribbean went through the roof. What is giving Kevan the confidence in the region is the way prices in Hong Kong have tumbled.
Hoteliers are very keen to do business.
Obviously, Asia is suffering to a degree, and that is not good for anyone. It is good for short-term negotiations but we require a stable market. We need a stable Hong Kong. Hoteliers are giving 20 per cent discounts with a lot of extra value deals like guaranteed harbour view rooms. There is now a realisation that no one has a god-given right to business.