Discount Expo tickets for students need school say-so
- Source: Global Times
- [10:25 July 07 2010]
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A group of students visit the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai in May. Photo: IC
By Ni Dandan
Agencies providing discount tickets to the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai for students have reminded parents that they need to apply for the tickets via their children's schools.
To ensure that the tickets will go to students rather than ticket touts, the 50 yuan ($7.4) Expo tickets can only be applied for by schools or educational institutions, according to the two travel agencies designated by the Shanghai Expo Coordination Bureau to handle the program.
"Many parents have enquired since the program began on July 5, but in fact, individuals are not allowed to buy the tickets," said the program's coordinator, surnamed Sun, at Shanghai Xiuyang Travel Agency, one of the two officially-designated agencies.
According to the Expo bureau, schools must put together a group of at least 15 students in order to be eligible for the specially-discounted tickets, which are less than a third of the price of the standard 160 yuan ($23) tickets. They must provide the ID information of the students as well as an accompanying teacher.
Lu Zhiqiang, manager of the program at the other authorized agency, Shanghai Tourist Distribution Center, said the strong interest from parents was to be expected considering the favorable price. "We believe it's not difficult for parents to team with other neighbors or friends to gather a group of 15 students," added Lu.
Lu said that, after obtaining the tickets through their school, students can opt to go to the Expo with their parents rather than as part of an organized school trip.
However, he added that they are encouraged to go in a group with their classmates. "Therefore we'll give a free ticket to the teacher so he or she can take care of students while they visit the Expo in a group," Lu said.
He continued that organizers want to make sure there are no loopholes that could see the tickets falling in to the hands of scalpers.
"That's why after paying for the tickets, schools receive paper notices, which they must redeem for tickets at the park entrance," Lu said. According to him, students will need to bring along their ID credentials to Gate No.6 on Shangnan Road, which is one of the less busy Expo entrances.
The discount student tickets will be available until the end of next month.
