GAMBLING ON A TOURISM LIFT

The workhorses of Hong Kong's tourist industry are planning to pack their bags for Macau, we hear.

As the WHO's travel advisory drags on, affecting wages and bonuses, top staff at several leading hotels and restaurants are reconsidering work offers in Macau's booming casino enclave. Two US companies and Stanley Ho's own STDM group are investing over $6 billion in hotels, luxury villas and casinos. 'Lots of managers have had enough of Hong Kong,' says our backstairs source. 'The offers of work in Macau are starting to come in and there is going to be a mini-exodus. The minute they get the call they will be gone quicker than you can say We Love Hong Kong.'