SOUTH KOREA. With Asia’s tourism industry hit hard by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the four duty free operators at Seoul Incheon International airport are struggling to cope.
Local reports said almost all products are currently being sold at discounted prices of 10-70% off.
“We are selling bags and garments with discounts of up to 70% and foreign liquor at 20-30% discounts,” said a spokesman for one operator.
“Due to the SARS emergency, we have no choice but to swallow losses in order to reduce inventories through bargain sales.”
