HONG KONG – Italy’s Costa Cruises is partnering with local travel operators in Hong Kong to introduce themed cruising itineraries to appeal to local consumers. Costa Cruises and the local Hong Kong travel operators have designed and package itineraries featuring celebrities to offer a whole new experience for consumers. Food and fun activities have been the main draw to local consumers when going on a holiday. To meet these consumer needs, as part of existing travel itineraries, the travel operators have invited Chef Chou Chung, Celebrity So Sze Wong and dance teacher Kent Chou, to take travellers on specialised journey where they can get up close and personal with these famous personalities. “These themed cruises available on Costa Classica, are one-of-the-kind offerings in the Asian market. While Costa Cruises is dedicated to bringing a unique Italian style cruise experience to travellers, we also want to offer unique experiences that will appeal to the local market. We believe these new experiences will entice consumers and be something we can offer again in the future,” said Dario Rustico, sales and marketing director, Pacific Asia Operations of Costa Cruises. The themed cruises, available on Costa Classica, are five-day itineraries departing from Hong Kong to Taiwan (Keelung and Tai Chung), and will be sailing between June 18–30, 2010. Celebrity-themed itineraries available include “Culinary journey with Chef Chou Chung” offered by Wing On Travel Service Limited (departing June 18), “Dance journey with renowned dance teacher Professor Kent Chou” offered by Jetour Holiday Limited (departing June 26), and “Face to face with So Sze Wong” offered by Hong Thai Travel Services Limited (departing June 30).