By Ian Neubauer in Shanghai

Ticketing agents around the world are offering first-release tickets for next year’s world fair in China exclusively for group buyers.

Tickets to Expo2010, which will take place in Shanghai from May 1 until October 1, can be purchased from as little as $28 per person per day for corporations, government and organisations who purchase more than 30 tickets.

The tickets use nine anti-forgery technologies developed by the Shanghai Banknote Printing Plant (SBPP) to prevent forgery and fraud, including an imbedded microchip.

“Fake tickets will be easy to detect,” said SBPP deputy director Zhang Shucang. The tickets have a distinctive touch and the card edges can change color when the cards are turned.”

Expo2010 is set to be the largest World Expo in history, with more than 170 nations and 40 organisations expected to take part. More than 70 million people are expected to visit the specially built site, which covers 5sq-km on the banks of the Huangpu River in central Shanghai.

The Australian pavilion will address the fair’s ‘Better City, Better Life’ theme by highlighting our commitment to sustainable development, education and diversity of culture. It will also promote Australian cities and their high level of ‘livability’.

The specially discounted price for group buyers expired on June 30, with general ticket sales to commence the following day.

To purchase tickets in Australia, contact China Travel Services on 1300 764 224.

To purchase flights from Australia to Hong Kong contact Virgin Atlantic.

The airline flies from Sydney to Hong Kong using three-class Airbus A340-600 aircraft. Connections are available to Shanghai on Dragonair. Business travelers with tight itineraries are recommended to fly Upper Class, which features lie-flat beds and hundreds of hours of entertainment on demand.