Life with Chinapac

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Gong Hey Fat Choy!

2012-01-26T16:32:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has been enjoying their Chinese New Year Celebration. Mine so far has not been too bad. On Sunday I met up with the family for some good Chinese food and I even managed to score some licee (lucky money) from generous relatives.

Last night I was invited by Air Canada to the Fairmont Pacific Rim to ring in the new year and celebrate. Sadly I did not win any business class tickets this time.
And this Sunday I will be joining 50,000 other people in Chinatown for the annual Chinese New Year Parade. Forecast, as usual, calls for rain.

And to cheer in the year of the Dragon I am happy to announce two new specials.

13 Day Super Yangtze
• 2 for 1 from $3999 air & land
http://www.chinapac.ca/PackageInformation.aspx?SGID=1049
Featuring a 5 day cruise on the biggest and newest 5-star ship on the Yangtze, the MS Yangtze 2 with outside cabins

12 Day Super China
• 2 for 1 from $2999 air & land
http://www.chinapac.ca/PackageInformation.aspx?SGID=1046
The perfect introduction for travelers looking for a taste of China.

In our 27 years of business, never before has such an SUPER value tour been available!

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Gong Hey Fat Choy!

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Gong Hey Fat Choy!

2012-01-24T08:11:00.000-08:00

Chinapac International has MICE!

2012-01-12T10:05:00.000-08:00

Not the squeak squeak ones but the other kind of MICE that is meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions!

This year we are responsible for coordinating over 30 MICE events in South East Asia.
For more than 25 years that we've been facilitating business in China and most of South East Asia, we've witnessed international trade shows and events develop. This segment of travel has continued to increase proving success and effectiveness to many businesses and their respective trades.

As most of you know, Chinapac is a Canadian company and South East Asia industry leader with 27 years of experience who appreciates Western corporate culture. In addition to our traditional leisure travel products, we have been offering the following corporate services for clients visiting South East Asia:

Organize meetings and trade delegations with local governments and/or businesses

Visa processing & invitation letters

Airplane & cruise charters

Personal interpreters for sightseeing, business meetings and trade shows

Private car service for business appointments or just sightseeing

Theme parties & gala dinners at exclusive locations

We have successfully managed delegations in the past, arranging trips from small groups of 4 to contingents made up of 120 persons. Our strong international ties guarantee the best rates and quality for the suitable five- or four-star accommodations, personal interpreters and other additional services necessary. Despite the swift nature of corporate trips, we provide business travelers the same attention and intendance as leisure clients. Through the mature network of relationships Chinapac has across South East Asia, we can ensure clients will get the most out of their visit.

Further, easily transform business trips into a productive vacation by attaching one of the pre or post tour packages we offer.

For more information about Chinapac MICE events, please e-mail mice@chinpac.com, or visit http://www.chinapac.com/newsrelease/ta/mice/mice.jpg to see some of the shows we are coordinating.

Get ready for the year of the Dragon. It is going to be a fun one!

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Happy New Year!

2012-01-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

Like many of you, 2011 was a fun, sometimes challenging but exciting year for us.

The Fun
In 2011 we hosted many FAMS to our preferred agents. This year we invited our agents to Thailand, Bali, China & the Yangtze River and Japan. Our participants and staff had a great time and have requested new destinations. For 2012 we will be offering FAM tours to most of the above destinations plus we have just added a 16 Day Vietnam and Cambodia FAM tour in November! This tour will be escorted by our president Jenny Soares so this trip should be a blast. Full details will be released next week.

The Challenging
Some of our favourite destinations had faced issues over the past year. Egypt had become politically unstable. Japan was rocked by an earthquake. Thailand had experienced severe flooding in Bangkok and surrounding areas. Both Thailand and Japan seem to be en route to making a fast recovery and Egypt is in the midst of their elections so I hope things will settle down soon.

As with many companies in the travel industry, hiring experienced staff has been challenge. If you know of someone looking for a new opportunity tell them to contact me or visit or career page for more information.
http://www.chinapac.ca/AboutUs/Careers/TQID1358/LG-EN/Content.aspx

The Exciting
This year we have sent travellers to more countries outside Asia than in past years. In addition to our existing South East Asia products, we have sent special interest groups to France, Spain, Hawaii, Las Vegas and Mexican Cruise.

Within Asia we made travel arrangements for a popular culinary TV show, organized a unique Pyramid expedition in Xian, escorted a group of doctors on a Traditional Chinese Medicine tour in China. We also had the opportunity to show 41 travel college students the beauty of China. With the success of the above programs we have now expanded our MICE products and will be offering arrangements for over 30 travel shows in Asia for 2012.

Last but not least our new website www.chinapac.ca! I am quite pleased with this new website and the content that is offered. Chinapac now has more Asia tours online than any other Canadian tour operator.

Wishing everyone a fun and prosperous 2012!

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

2011-12-15T14:36:00.000-08:00

On my first visit to Beijing 12 Octobers ago, I had a free day to explore the city on my own. Being my first time in Asia, I ventured off to the shopping mall that was directly across from my hotel. The adventurous type I am not. This mall was big by Canadian standards. 6/7 floors, bright shiny floors, all the major brands stocked with smiling sales associates. There were two peculiar things however. 1) The mall was empty. 2) Christmas music.

These days I know the mall is busy with the emerging Chinese middle class but I do wonder if they still play Jingle Bells in the fall.

Please note our holiday hours:

Dec 23 8:30am - 12:30pm (PST)
Dec 24 Closed
Dec 25 Closed
Dec 26 Closed
Dec 27 8:30am - 5pm
Dec 28 8:30am - 5pm
Dec 29 8:30am - 5pm
Dec 30 8:30am - 5pm
Dec 31 Closed
Jan 1 Closed
Jan 2 Closed
Jan 3 8:30am - 5pm

Happy holidays!

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Vancouver’s Dr. Sun Yat-sen Garden named world's best

2011-12-08T12:22:00.000-08:00

Vancouver’s own Dr. Sun Yat-sen Garden was recently named been named No. 1 on a list of city gardens around the world in a new book from National Geographic.

Our small but beautiful garden is rated ahead of the Rodin Sculpture Garden in Paris! Only two other gardens in North America were rated, the Foster Botanical Garden in Hawaii and the Conservatory Garden in New York’s Central Park.

The classical Chinese garden was the first garden in the Ming Dynasty style created outside of China, and is located just a few minutes from our Vancouver office.

Dr Sun Yat-sen was a China revolutionary and political leader and often referred to as the Father of the Nation. His impact on Chinese culture is noticeable all over the world as cities, parks, and streets throughout the world have been named after him.

Happy holidays!

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

No Free Lunch

2011-12-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

Today, I received an e-mail from a really angry customer. I mean really angry. The good news is he was not a Chinapac customer. During my 10 years experience in the industry, I have seen very few letters that rivaled this one.

He had booked one of those $49 dollar trip to China with one of those other China tour companies. He was so angry that he had forwarded his e-mail to every Canadian China tour operator and any company that had the word China in it including ourselves

Here is an excerpt of his colourful comments.

“It appears that this tour package is an extremely good deal - $49 / $179 for 8 days Shanghai? WOW, good value for your money! Good value for your money if, and only if the tour is good! They just wasted my time, my family’s time and wasted our MONEY! TIME = MONEY! How about 6 hours and 30 minutes wait for the bus to take us to the hotel, I shall say motel from the airport on the first day with no food, no water and no services? Special Tour? What is so special? How about those breakfast brunches with no food, no tables and no seats? – Too many people, not enough food, tables and chairs. We found it SUCKS! There is no way anyone is capable of finding a worse tour company than ************.

The Tour Itinerary was not the same as it was on the list, there was no Huangpujiang Cruise at night after dinner, we didn’t even go to the ‘BUND’ – one of Shanghai’s most famous places and that is where the Huangpujiang night cruise takes place. We were all very disappointed, to say the least.

It is hard to believe that there is ‘no complain received from other clients about ********* China tour’. Everyone on our tour complained. 45 people in our tour group waited over 3 hours for 2 people who can’t make up their mind on which stupid tea pot to buy and when we finally arrive at a scenery place to take some photos, we were only allow 5 minutes to do so? This is just one of many stupid activities.... What kind of a tour is this? If you look at the ********** Brochure, it said ‘... Good Food and Amazing Scenery 8-day Special Tour’, no where in it mentioned it is a purchase tours. We knew it was going to be a purchase tours, but no one would have thought it was this dreadful – outrageous!"

I have responded to this frustrated client and encouraged him to share his comments on Trip Advisor so future travelers do not make the same mistake he did.

So if your friends are asking for one of those amazing deals to China, feel free to show them a copy of this newsletter. Afterwards, show them the itinerary for Chinapac’s 12 Day Modern & Ancient China tour. We offer most meals, good hotels, sightseeing, international airfare, and ground transfers all for only $1699 plus tax.

Happy holidays,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

I'm coming home!

2011-11-17T11:46:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know I have been out of the office the past few weeks. I started my journey with a 10 day visit to Kunming and Guizhou province in China. After a 48 hour stopover, I repacked my bags, rounded up the family and headed down south for a Mexico cruise. We then rounded out the trip with a visit to San Diego visiting some of the most exotic animals on the planet.

So this morning we are getting ready to board our plane which is heading to my favourite travel destination that I also have the privilege to call home, Vancouver.

Over the next few weeks I will be sharing more details of this trip and some interesting information I have learned about how to travel with two small boys.

Talk to you soon,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Situation Update: Flooding in Thailand

2011-11-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

The flooding in Thailand is mainly affecting the central provinces along the Chao Phraya River including Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Other popular tourist destinations in the central region including Pattaya, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi and Ko Chang have not been affected by the floods. Provinces in the south of Thailand also have not been affected by the floods.

Flood waters in Ayutthaya and some other central provinces have begun to subside, although many areas are not yet fully accessible. Tourist attractions in Ayutthaya will reopen once they have been restored.

Events relating to Loy Krathong, an ancient tradition that has been celebrated since the Sukhothai Era, will still take place in many locations throughout Thailand including Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, and Tak during November 8th to 10th. Some Loy Krathong events have been cancelled in Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Suphanburi due to the flooding.

Situation in Bangkok

Most areas of central Bangkok where to tourists normally go are not flooded at this time. The Chao Phraya River, which runs through Bangkok, is at a higher-than-normal level. This is causing some flooding at tourist attractions that are close to the river, as well as some parts of Chinatown, especially during high tide periods.

Within the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, several suburbs and areas adjacent to the Chao Phraya River are experiencing flooding. As these areas are largely residential and industrial zones, they are not normally visited by tourists. The government has asked residents to leave these areas due to the flooding.

According to government officials, the peak period for flooding due to a combination of high seasonal tides and the large volume of water flowing from the northern provinces through the Bangkok area ended on October 31st. They have stated that the chance of flooding in central Bangkok, which has so far not been affected except in some areas close the Chao Phraya River during high tides, is now greatly reduced. In central Bangkok, businesses, hotels, and tourist attractions remain operating as per normal.

Transportation

The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are operating normally. Taxis and tuk tuks are available as per usual. Many BMTA bus routes have been rerouted or suspended due to the flooding. Express boat services on the Chao Phraya River have also been suspended, as have most water-related tourist activities.

Given the rapidly changing nature of the flooding situation in Bangkok, the TAT advises travelers to carefully consider visiting tourist attractions close to the Chao Phraya River as they may be in areas affected by flooding, which could limit access. Visitors should also check multiple sources of information to make an informed decision about whether they should visit Bangkok at the present time.

Airports

Bangkok is served by two airports. Suvarnabhumi Airport, the main gateway to Thailand with 120 international and domestic airlines, remains open. It has considerable flood protection measures in place and is operating normally, handling around 800 flights per day. Suvarnabhumi Airport is also the main connector for international arrivals to domestic flights serving tourist destinations throughout Thailand such as Phuket, Chiang Mai and Surat Thani. Domestic flights are operating as per normal between Suvarnabhumi Airport and all other airports in Thailand.

Transportation to and from the airport into central Bangkok including taxis, buses and the Airport Rail Link have not been affected by the floods and are operating normally. Highways from the airport to tourist destinations southeast of Bangkok such as Pattaya, Rayong and Ko Chang are open. Travelers should allow additional time to travel to the airport due to traffic congestion.

Don Mueang Airport, the old international airport, has been closed until November 1st due to flooding. The two domestic airlines operating from Don Mueang have temporarily switched their operations to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

State Railway of Thailand and inter-provincial bus services:

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and inter-provincial bus services are operating as per usual in areas that are not affected by the floods. In Bangkok and other areas affected by the floods, the SRT and inter-provincial bus service operators are adjusting their routes to best serve passengers given the disruptions caused by the flooding. Inter-provincial buses from Bangkok to southern provinces are leaving from a temporary station with shuttle services to and from the Southern Bus Terminal, also known as Sai Tai Mai.

Train services to northeastern Thailand are operating as per normal. Train services to the northern provinces are operating between Hua Lamphong station in central Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Trains to the north are being rerouted around flooded areas, adding approximately two hours of travel time. Train services to the southern provinces are operating from Hua Lamphong station or Nakhon Pathom if required due to flooding in Bangkok’s western suburbs. The SRT is providing shuttle bus services between Hua Lamphong station and Nakhon Pathom when needed. Travelers are advised to check in advance with these operators and may want to consider flying to their destinations within Thailand.

We are live! Chinapac's New Booking Engine

2011-10-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

So after months of planning, designing and testing, our new website is online!

Designed with a simple yet sophisticated interface, the new booking tool will help both clients and agents on planning and booking their Asia travels with more ease and convenience. Its user friendly navigation system allows for an uncomplicated browsing experience through more than 700 recommended tours and activities in China and South East Asia.

For questions or for more information, please visit http://www.chinapac.ca or call 1-800-661-8182.

Regards,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

China National Holiday Quickly Approaching!

2011-09-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

October 1st will celebrate the beginning of the National Day of the People's Republic of China. This holiday is celebrated every year on October 1 and lasts for a week. During this time most businesses and offices are closed. Travelers in China can expect extreme traffic, long lineups and massive crowds at popular sightseeing locations such as Tian An Men Square.

In addition, the Canadian and American China Consulate will also be closed. During this time visa applications will not be accepted.

So if you are thinking of going to China soon, today is the time to finalize your travel arrangements with Chinapac.

Best Regards,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

2011-09-01T13:51:00.000-07:00

Despite popular belief, not all Chinese people look alike. China is composed of 56 ethnic groups
whose features, traits and beliefs have been passed down to generations upon generations.
The largest of them are the Hans who populate the major cities of Beijing and Shanghai. Yet there
remains 55 other minorities inhabiting the different regions of China.

Come join the handful of North Americans who have discovered these people and regions with our regularly
scheduled tours. Add this tour to an existing Chinapac itinerary or experience it as a standalone tour.

You may also want to join us on our 10 Day Shangrila & Shanghai Tour which departs on Feb 17, 2012. Price from YVR is 1949/person. For more information about this tour visit:

http://cpi.zts.net/PackageInformation/10DayShangrilaShanghai/Kunming/SGID974/LG-EN/Content.aspx

Regards,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Touch Me. Use Me. 2.0

2011-08-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

So we have successfully launched the first version of our new online booking engine. Travel agents such as yourself have been signing up every day and the feedback has been positive.

Our new tool currently offers Day Tours, Activities and Transfers and yes we are still giving away $10 HBC gift cards for all online bookings so make sure you give it a spin before we run out. In addition to accepting credit card payments, the new engine allows us to e-mail you up-to-date vouchers and invoices for convenience. And for security, users will require a log-in account to successfully book their travel plans.

We are currently in the process of testing the next version of our tool which will offer full package tours with air & land, multi-day packages and hotel booking system. Version 2.0 will become available later in the fall.

Go ahead and set up your account here and let us know what you think.

http://www.chinapac.com/tours/

I'm Back!

2011-08-11T07:39:00.000-07:00

So after 10 days off I am back in the office. There have been some interesting developments in the world that will affect the 2011/2012 tourism season for many travel industry professionals and their clients.

US economy: As we all know our neighbors to the south are having some serious problems controlling their spending. This in turn has affected their economy and more importantly everybody else's economy as other countries own much of this debt. China alone owns 1.3 US trillion dollars of this debt. As a result, the Chinese RMB currency will continue to appreciate in value. So if you are planning to visit China in 2012, I suggest you book early before prices go up.

London is burning: Riots have plagued this city for several nights now. The fairytale wedding that took place earlier this year is a distant memory and now the 2012 Olympic Host city will have some challenges improving its image before the games take place. Once things settle down, I expect to see many specials and hopefully great FAMS to the United Kingdom.

Vancouver summer: After a disappointing June and July, Vancouver might actually have a chance to salvage this year's summer as the forecast for August seems to be warming up. I really hope this hotter weather continues into September. I am happy that I had the opportunity to visit Thailand in June and experience 30 degree weather otherwise I would be feeling shafted like many other Vancouverites.

By the way if you have not had a chance to take a sneak peak at our new booking engine, you can visit it here

http://www.chinapac.com/tours/

Happy BC Day!

2011-07-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

Happy BC Day to all BC and non-BC travel professionals. Please note our office will be closed July 30, 21 and Aug 1 celebrating the holidays with our families. I will also be on holidays until August 8 travelling in one of my favourite regions, BC of course! Our province is blessed with such diverse regions ranging from forests, beaches, deserts, lakes and maountains.

I will be spending a few nights camping in Golden Ears Provincial Park, one of the largest parks in the province. The weather out here has not been the best so I am hoping that Mr. Sun plans to make a daily appearance so we can hike some trails and take a dip in Alouette Lake. Afterwards, we will head north and unwind for a couple nights in the mountain town known as Whistler. Whistler is also a great destination as there are many outdoor activities that are family friendly and everything is within walking distance.

All in all it should be some good times if the weather decides to cooperate.

Warm regards,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Touch Me. Use Me.

2011-07-14T11:00:00.001-07:00

I am happy to announce that Chinapac has released the first version of our new booking engine!

Our new tool currently offers Day Tours, Activities and Transfers. Full package tours with air & land, multi-day packages and hotel booking system will become available later in the fall. In addition to accepting credit card payments, the new engine allows us to e-mail you up-to-date vouchers and invoices for convenience. And for security, users will require a log-in account to successfully book their travel plans -- go ahead and set up your account here.

And because this is all very exciting for us, we decided to share the celebration of launching our new booking system by rewarding the first 100 successful bookings with a $10 HBC gift card!

To try out our new site, please visit

http://www.chinapac.com/tours/

Indeed, I am very proud of this achievement as we are the FIRST Asia Tour Operator to offer this level of online service.

Happy selling!

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

And the winner is...

2011-06-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Heather Laing Folkins who is the lucky winner of our first Facebook Contest!

Heather won a 4 night package to Beijing that includes a tour of the Badaling Great Wall & other Beijing highlights, a special Hutong Tour and Peking Duck Dinner plus accommodation at the 5-star New Otani Changfu Gong Hotel.

Join the Chinapac Facebook Fanpage for a chance to win prizes and get weekly updates about Chinapac and South East Asia.

Best regards,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Chinapac on Canadian Travel Press

2011-06-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

With China claiming the 3rd world's most popular destination, Chinapac's very own Otis Ashby puts his two cents in regards to selling and travelling to the big land of the Orient.

Read the full article here.

King for a Week

2011-06-16T11:23:00.001-07:00

So after wrapping up my meetings and inspections in Bangkok, it was time to escape city life! With my wife in tow, it was off for a one hour flight to our next destination - Koh Samui. Famous for its spas and laid back attitude this was naturally my first choice. It was really hard to pick the place to stay as there are so many luxury resorts, after many hours of searching I found the perfect place - Sala Samui. I cannot even describe how nice this place is but I will try...

Everywhere you look, it is like you have stepped into a Restoration Hardware catalogue, but with more colour. Blue skies, swaying palm trees coupled with a calming décor of teak furniture, cotton linens, smooth hardwood floors, cool marble bathrooms accented with rainbow coloured orchids. And every villa has its own private swimming pool. It's like having your own beach villa. We barely left our room, let alone the resort!

On the days we did leave the resort, one day was spent visiting the protected marine park. If you must do one touristy thing, this is highly recommended. The day was spent power boating, snorkeling, hiking, swimming, kayaking and of course, eating. The water looked so velvety and color was like a soft jade green. Just beautiful.

Another night was spent on the town taking in an authentic action packed Muay Thai fight card headlined by Rob from Canada. The stadium was loud, hot and smoky. The card had 7 fights, 5 which ended by brutal knocks out so time was well spent on a Tuesday night.

My one guilty indulgence - I spent 4 hours at a 5-star spa, for a fraction of what it would cost at home. Scrub, wrap, massage, facial were all words of the day. I did, however, draw the line when they suggested I sit in a pool where fish would nibble the dead skin off your body...yuck.

I can't believe I have only 3 more hours here before I spend the next 20 hours getting home. There have been very times in my life when I felt a trip was too short and Thailand was definitely one of them. If you are looking to plan a trip for your clients that they will never forget, I highly recommend booking them on 2 week trip to Thailand.

Best Regards,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Greetings from Bangkok!

2011-06-10T09:56:00.001-07:00

It is Thursday, 6am and the temperature is already 28 degrees. I'm looking over today's list of meetings and this evening's sightseeing itinerary and it will be a day of full day of fun, food and lots of education about Thailand.

I had departed Vancouver on an early Monday China Airlines red eye flight. During my years in the industry I have had the opportunity to fly with most airlines to Asia and this flight was one of my more memorable ones. The cabin crew were attentive and the in-flight entertainment was great. Surprisingly, there were many popular English speaking movies to chose from and the bathrooms were cleaned on a regular basis.

However, the thing that I enjoyed the most about this flight were the connection and arrival times. Where most of the other Asia carriers arrive Bangkok late at night, I had a short 90 minute stopover in Taipei and arrived in Bangkok at 10am allowing for more fun time.
Passing through Thailand immigration was quick and painless. After meeting our smiling guide Lek at the arrival hall we set off for a 40 minute ride to our hotel, the 1 year young Renaissance Hotel. This property is beautifully decorated and centrally located. Neighboring hotels include the Grand Hyatt, Intercontinental and the Four Seasons.

After a light lunch it was massage time. For just under CAD 30 I enjoyed a 90 minute massage at one of the many spas that Thailand is famous for. And so this has been my routine for the past few days: eat, work, sightsee and massage. Not bad for a day at the office...

Regards,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Three Days Until Thailand

2011-06-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

So in three days I will be off to Bangkok to attend the Thailand Travel Mart. 40 appointments in two days, multiple functions, dinners, and meet & greets. Sounds like a job for 5-hour energy and lots of coffee. The weather in Bangkok is currently lows of 26 and highs of 32 and accommodation is at the 5-star Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong so for a business trip, this show is looking pretty exciting.

The only possible hiccup is where will I be able to watch the Canucks sweep the Stanley Cup playoffs...

If you have a special group request for Thailand or have something you would like for me to investigate on your behalf, do not hesitate to drop me a line.

Go Canucks Go!

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Time for Thailand!

2011-05-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

In just under two weeks I will be heading to Thailand to participate in the Thailand Travel Mart Plus. This event is the largest B2B travel show in the greater Mekong sub region. I will have the opportunity to reconnect with our preferred local operators and hotels as well learn what is new and exciting for this region. I expect it to be fun, busy and hot with lots of activities planned for the days and nights. The first half of my trip will be spent in the Thailand's lively capital, Bangkok. After that we will fly 1 hour south for a change of scenery to the beautiful island of Koh Samui. Nice!

If you have a special group request for Thailand or have something you would like for me to investigate on your behalf, do not hesitate to drop me a line.

Chok dee (Bye in Thai)!

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Happy National Tourism Day!

2011-05-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

Today, China is celebrating its first National Tourism Day to mark the growing importance of tourism in China. I applaud China for recognizing how important it is to appreciate visiting tourists and offering them additional incentives to visit. Unlike some countries, states and provinces, which will slap you with some type of visitation tax upon arrival, China has opted to offer free entry into the country's public museums, memorial halls, patriotic education bases, stadiums and arenas. If only Vancouver had a similar offer, I might be able to see the Canucks live.

Nucks in 4!

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

China to develop Hello Kitty theme park

2011-05-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

The cult like hero Hello Kitty will be opening a new park in the city of Anji which is about 65km from Hangzhou. The development is expected to begin in the second half of next year and the completion is planned in 2013. Upon immediate completion it is safe to say that I will be there with my wife and all her 30 something friends who are Hello Kitty Fans. All those interested in more information about the Hello Kitty China Invasion tour, feel free to drop me a line.

Go Nucks!

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

China’s smoking ban in effect

2011-05-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

CHINA’s smoking ban came into effect Sunday, May 1. No smoking is allowed in all bars, restaurants, hospitals and other public places, reportedly inside and out. The ban reportedly does not include offices or factories.
There is a fine of 30 000 yuan (about US$4 600) for owners of establishments that do not comply but it is still unclear who will enforce the ban.

- Story provided by Travelinfo.ca

We have the best guides and staff

2011-04-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

Yes I said it. I know every tour operator makes this bold claim but based on the feedback from our clients I truly believe this statement as we receive praise weekly.

Here are excerpts from some of our past clients over the past few weeks:

"We have returned from our tours of Beijing and Shanghai, and our cruise, and had a wonderful, very special time. I want to thank you and your company for arranging such fantastic guides for us. I want you to know and pass on our A++ rating and the highest compliments and appreciation for Jane in Beijing."

"Just wanted to drop you a note to say how much I enjoyed my recent 16 day tour to China with ChinaPac. I took my nine year old son for Spring Break and was joined by my brother, his ten year old daughter and older son and we all had an amazing time. My concerns of taking my son on such a trip were soon put to rest after we landed and were greeted by our tour guide..."

"Ni Hao. My husband and I just returned from the most wonderful trip to China with Chinapac. We met our Tour Manager/Guide Frank in Shanghai who was with us for the entire trip plus Kudos to all our city guides at each stop also. All five star hotels were amazing (especially Beijing with the hot toilet)..."

"As you are aware, others have said in their testimonials that Tony is superb, amongst other things. Truly, that is just one perfect adjective to describe him. The level of service provided by Tony throughout our tour can also be described as exceptional. In our opinions, there's simply no area in which Tony could have improved upon his performance."

"... I want to thank you for the way you and your associates managed the trip to China. You thought af every little detail and there were no slipups. Everything went 100%! You should be very proud of the way you and your coworkers were arranging every little detail..."

I am really proud of our guides overseas and our local staff in our Vancouver office. The customer experience begins with the agent in Vancouver seamlessly transitions to our guides when they receive your clients overseas. It is because of our team what we are able to offer some of the best quality Asia tours in the Canadian market.

If you would read more praises and accolades please visit http://www.chinapac.com/04AboutUs/allreviews.asp

And better yet, experience the quality yourself and take one of our world famous FAM!

Go ‘Nucks!

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Message from Japan National Tourism Organization: Japan is Open for Safe Travel

2011-04-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

The first month after the most major earthquake in the northeastern Japan has been an important recovery time for Japan, despite that international media release floods of extensive coverage on post-catastrophe situation. Thanks to international relief supports and Japan’s resilience and hard-working effort enables the country to recover the infrastructure as well as commercial activities at a surprisingly fast pace.

Following the British and Canadian governments’ ease on travel restrictions to Japan, on April 14, the US Department of State has reduced the travel alert to Japan only within the 50 miles radius of the Fukushima nuclear power plant, which excludes major cities such as Tokyo and Yokohama, and Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports.

You can view Today's Japan through live cameras and YouTube videos.

As international organizations release clearer figures and assessment, the current situation has reached a reasonable safety level for international travelers, with detailed data as of April 15.

Can We Visit Japan Today? – YES!
The majority of regions in Japan including popular leisure travel destinations, are outside the areas affected by tsunami, earthquake and radiation, and received no disruption to infrastructure. Everything in these areas continues to operate as usual. The greater Tokyo area has already retrieved the usual condition, and there are no more periodical blackouts. The other regions are unharmed, and safe and normal as before.

How is the Radiation Level? – NOT DANGEROUS!
Except for the proximate areas near the nuclear power plants, there is no dangerous level of radiation detected in Japan. Tokyo is not within radiation contamination concern area, located over 200km (124 miles) away from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant facilities. The radiation level in Tokyo is similar to that of New York City. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other international organizations confirm that the radiation level in the atmosphere is within a reasonable safety level to human health.

The accident in Fukushima is now categorized as level 7 with the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES). However, the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) estimates the amount of radiation released to the atmosphere is as a mere 10% of the Chernobyl accident. Since the INES category doesn’t have anything higher than level 7, both incidents fall into the same category in spite of the huge difference in the radiation levels and the size and structure of the accidents. See more details here.

In addition, please see the daily updates on radiation level in major cities in Japan here.

Are Food and Water Safe? – YES!
There is no shortage of food or water, and products distributed to the public are all safe.

Is Public Transportation Working? – YES!
Japan's sophisticated public transportation systems have been recovered to the regular service levels everywhere, except for the tsunami-affected regions.

Daily Updates
Since the 3.11 earthquake, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) continues to release updates on its website, including radiation conditions, transportation, events and other travel-related information.

Daily updates are also available online at JNTO’s North American website.

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

New Year Celebrations Going Strong

2011-04-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Thailand is enjoying the Songkran Thai New Year celebrations, meaning that we are approaching the half way through April at the peak of the Thai hot season.

But Thailand has been experiencing some strange weather the past few weeks with heavy rains and flooding in parts of the south. Thankfully, this is behind us and the situation at the Samui archipelago has returned to normal with beautiful weather.

And now in Bangkok, they are having some strange weather. With temperatures dropping to 18ºC , the locals have been donning jumpers and scarves in the mornings and evenings. Even foreigners were sighted wearing jeans and fleeces to accommodate the cool weather and winds.

I am confident that the temperature will be nice and warm when I go in June to Bangkok and Koh Samui. If your clients are interested in visiting Thailand over the next year, I highly recommend our 12 Day Beaches, Bangkok and Beijing starting from CAD 2169 featuring 4 and 5 star hotels.

Go Nucks!

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Chinapac cruise products on TravelHotNew.com

2011-04-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

TravelHotNews.com has recently featured Chinapac's cruise products as one of the unique cruise options popular to Canadian travellers.

CHINAPAC

With agencies booking large river cruise groups with the tour operator this year, Chinapac expects 2011 to be an even stronger cruising year than 2010.

“The numbers coming in already are looking promising,” said Otis Ashby, sales and operations, Chinapac.

Specializing in river cruises along the Yangtze in China, the Mekong in Vietnam and the Ganges in India, Ashby noted that many of the tour operators' Canadian clients have been looking to take an Asia trip for some time and are now scratching it off their bucket list.

For those scratching Asia off that list while experiencing a Chinapac tour for the first time, the company recommends the Yangtze tours. For repeat clients, Ashby said the operator recommends the Mekong River tours.

Victoria Cruises, COTC, Century Cruises, Pandaw Cruises, Star Cruises, Yachts of Seabourn and President Cruises are all available through Chinapac however, Ashby noted that, “If there is a cruise line in South East Asia that your clients want to sail, we will more than likely be able to book it for you.”

New for Chinapac in 2011 is the MS Yangtze 2, the largest five-star ship sailing the Yangtze. The inaugural sailing is set for September and, although the sites and points of interest are similar to that of the other Yangtze River tours, the MS Yangtze 2 is the first of those ships to have a movie theatre, indoor pool and three restaurants to dine at, said Ashby.

For more information, visit chinapac.com or order Chinapac's Asia brochure here.

Happy New Year! Again!

2011-04-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

This time we are celebrating in Thailand! The festival is known as the Songkran festival which will last for three consecutive days April 13-15. This festival is observed nationwide and the most famous Songkran celebrations are in the northern city of Chiang Mai, where it continues for six days and even longer.

The most common celebration of Songkran is the throwing of water. People will roam the streets with containers of water or water guns and drench each other and passersby. April is the hottest month in Thailand so the cool water is refreshing.

Besides the throwing of water, people celebrating Songkran may also go to a Buddhist monastery known as a wat to pray and give food to monks. In cities such as Chiang Mai, the Buddha images from the city's important monasteries are paraded through the streets so that people can toss water at them, ritually 'bathing' the images, as they pass by on ornately decorated floats.

If your clients interested in visiting Thailand over the next year, I highly recommend our 12 Day Beaches, Bangkok and Beijing starting from CAD 2169 featuring 4 and 5 star hotels. I will also be returning to Thailand this June so expect more exciting news and specials from Chinapac.

Have a wet and happy Songkran!

Regards,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Earthquake hits Myanmar near China and Thai borders

2011-03-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, an earthquake took place in Myanmar (Burma). The epicenter was in Kengtung which is in the north east part of Myanmar. An aftershock was also felt in Inle Lake too.

Reports from our local partners have confirmed that all travelers are fine and that there has been no severe damage or injuries. A destructive tsunami is not expected. Considering the magnitude was 7.0 — this is good news.

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

What every travel agent should know about Japan

2011-03-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

While the tragedy that struck Japan in the last week still dominate our headlines, the Japanese have demonstrated warming efforts of coping and recovery as a nation. Chinapac was quite fortunate to not have any clients in any of the affection areas.

Here is a brief overview of the current situation in Japan to help address any questions your clients might have.

Highly affected regions:
Rescue and recovery operations still continue in the Tohoku region, the area severely hit by the tragic event. This area includes the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant which is 240km north of Tokyo.

Recovering regions:
Tokyo is slowly rising from a strong shock with both of its major airports, Narita and Haneda, reopening on Wednesday, March 16 and public transportations resuming partial operations.

Unaffected regions:
The western Japan as well as other popular destinations such as Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo, Kanazawa and Hiroshima remain undamaged from the tsunami and nuclear plant accident.

The Japan travel organization has advised visitors to contact the Tokyo Headquarters of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) for around-the-clock information service at the Tourism Information Center (TIC) Phone: +81-(0)3-3201-3331. Service is in English, Chinese and Korean. The 24-hour service is available for the duration of current crisis.

Wishing Japan a safe and steady recovery.

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Earthquake in Southwest China. Chinapac clients and tours unaffected.

2011-03-10T10:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, at least 22 people were killed when a 5.8-magnitude earthquake hit southwest China's Yunnan province which borders on the country of Myanmar.

The epicentre of the quake, which struck at 12:58 p.m. local time, was located about 225 kilometres southwest of Dali. As this area is not popular with Western tourists, all of Chinapac’s clients currently in China have been reported safe from the damages of this event.

Vice President Xi Jinping, who many see as China’s next leader, called for an "all-out" effort to get food, water and clothing to those affected by the quake with more than 1,000 soldiers having been sent to aid in rescue efforts.

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

We're number one! Again!

2011-02-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

Out of 140 cities, the Economist Magazine ranked Vancouver (home of Chinapac International) as the most liveable city in the world for a second year in a row. Two other Canadian cities, Toronto and Calgary, made the list at fourth and fifth respectively. Eight of the 10 top spots went to cities in Canada and Australia. The EU had a small showing with Vienna coming third and Helsinki, Finland sixth. Pittsburgh was the top U.S. city with 29th place, just ahead of Honolulu. Pittsburgh? Really?

The top Asian city at number 12 was Osaka beating out the Japanese capital of Tokyo which came in at 18. Hong Kong, voted as the worlds freest economy according to Index of Economic Freedom, rung in at 31.

Rankings were based on health care, infrastructure, culture, environment and education.

Vancouver was also ranked as having the most expensive fares and the biggest increase in ticket prices amongst Canada's largest airports according to Statistics Canada. Not sure if there is any correlation but I am hoping that the airline pricing gods will be gentler with all of us this year.

Regards,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

What is a good Asia tour operator?

2011-02-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

I have been e-mailed frequently about these new and upcoming tour operators as well as other operators offering unbelievable tours at nominal rates. They ask just how are they able to offer such attractive rates?

Well, before you decide to conduct business with these other operators, consider and make sure you ask them the following questions:

1. Do you accept credit cards as a form of payment?
Chinapac accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express for the convenience of yourself and your clients.

2. Are your departures guaranteed?
Most of Chinapac's tours are guaranteed. More often than not, our tours are guaranteed with a minimum of just 2 persons!

3. Do you offer guaranteed add rates from most Canadian cities?
Chinapac offers guaranteed rates from most Canadian gateways.

4. Do you offer a commission to travel agents?
Chinapac offers a minimum of 10% commission on our full package tours. More for our preferred agencies!

5. Do you have an IATA number?
Chinapac has had an IATA number for over 20 years. We also act as the consolidator when we issue our own tickets for our group tours.

6. How long have you been operating in Canada?
Chinapac has been operating in Canada since 1985 - which does not necessarily make us old, just old enough to know exactly what we're doing and earn a reputable name.

7. Are there any unlisted shopping trips on my client's itinerary?
Chinapac has a what-you-see-is-what-you-get-plus-more policy. We promise to deliver everything listed on your itinerary and do not sneak in any unlisted shopping excursions.
However... sometimes, time permitting we will try to squeeze in a cultural experience or two that your clients will thank you for.

It is important that you do your homework when booking with these fly-by-night Asia operators. You might be able to save a few dollars up front but you can risk your agency's reputation and years of goodwill in a heat of transaction.

Best regards,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Year of the Mighty Rabbit

2011-02-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

Okay, maybe the Rabbit is not the mightiest animal of the Chinese Zodiac but it is believed to be one of the happiest signs. People born in that year, such as myself, are renowned for their generosity, reliability and loyalty coupled with a sense of mystery and propensity to cry. That last trait is debatable.

Rabbits are genuine peacemakers and try to avoid arguments. This does not mean they avoid confrontation but will try and resolve issues so they can enjoy a peaceful and serene environment such as our office.

Rabbits are a symbol of youth and activity so expect a very energetic and exciting year from Chinapac International as we have lots of upcoming news and events for the next couple of months.

To learn more Mandarin expressions or to find out your Chinese Zodiac sign visit our website.

Wishing all of you and your family a happy and healthy Year of The Rabbit!

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Gong Hey Fat Choy!

2011-01-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

Every year, there is a some confusion with Westerners as to which is the best way to wish someone a Happy Chinese New Year. Gong Xi Fa Cai or Gong Hey Fat Choy. The correct answer is that they are both correct. Gong Xi Fa Cai is the Mandarin pronunciation. Mandarin is the language spoken widely in Mainland China, Taiwan and Singapore. Gong Hey Fat Choy is in Cantonese spoken in Hong Kong, Macau and the Guangdong province of Mainland China . But even though the pronunciations are a little different, both are written the same way. And both expressions both mean the same thing in English: "Wishing you to be prosperous in the coming year."

To learn more Mandarin expressions or to find out your Chinese Zodiac sign visit our website for more information.

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Gong Hey Fat Choy!

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Chinapac on Canadian Traveller Magazine

2011-01-19T10:23:00.000-08:00

Canadian Traveller Magazine had recently featured Chinapac International to discover why India is among their top selling destinations.

See what Director of Sales and Operations Otis Ashby has to say with regards to promoting India as well as tips on visiting the beautiful country:

Chinapac International
Otis Ashby
Director of Sales and Operations
http://www.chinapac.com/
Some background on Chinapac:
Chinapac International specializes in travel service to China and the Orient and is proud to celebrate 25 successful years in the travel industry as the premier travel package tour operator to the People's Republic of China and South East Asia.
Best Selling India product:
Hands down our 15 Day India Explorer. All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people. Clients get to visit the most famous sights in Northern India at a very reasonable rate without sacrificing quality. Land only pricing is only CAD 1499/person.
Tips for Canadian travel agents selling India:
The seasonal window to visit India is very small. I would suggest visiting between October and April. Travel dates outside of this range will be ridiculously hot and the client will not have a chance to really enjoy India's beauty.
Why choose India over other destinations?
India is a spiritual, historical and a very beautiful country. At first glance, one would think that all of India is the same but as you start to travel to city to city you get a better understanding of the people and culture. Plus the food is awesome.
What is your favourite India experience?
Sailing down the backwaters of Alleppey in South India. This very relaxed cruise on a houseboat was one of my most laid back days in years.

You can read the full article here.

Knock off watches, knock off wines…

2011-01-13T09:58:00.000-08:00

During one of my trips to China, I was relaxing in the trendy Beijing area of Shi Sha Hai and enjoying some drinks with a few of our local guides. We were sitting outside enjoying the fresh air, the lively scenery and laughing it up. After I had ordered my second scotch and soda, one of my guides said, "You better not order another glass. Sometimes these bars will serve people who are too drunk counterfeit alcohol." I knew China had knock offs for almost anything but a knock off of my favourite alcohol? That is where I draw the line!

Well, it looks like China's black market has taken knock off alcohol to a whole new level. With an emerging market for high end wines in China, limited supply and very little wine education out there, there is now a huge market for empty bottles of very famous wines. These coveted empty bottles which are worth up to CAD 600 a piece are refilled with subpar vintages and sold to the very rich at very expensive prices.

With Chinese New Year coming up around the corner, I sadly expect the black market to be thriving this year.

Cheers!

Otis Ashby

Sales & Operations

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

Another new year and time for an updated list of resolutions and goals.

Take a FAM tour outside of Asia. I have heard a lot of great things about this place called Europe.
Double my Mandarin vocabulary. I currently know 40 words. Learning one new word a week should not be too hard.
Add a new non-Asia destination to Chinapac's product line. We've successfully done Turkey, Spain, Morocco & Egypt.
Spend more quality time with friends and family.
Do not check my Blackberry for e-mails between 9pm and 6am. This will be my toughest challenge.

I wish you happiness and good fortune for this new and exciting year.

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-23T09:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to you and your family! Please make a note of our holiday hours.

Friday Dec 24 8:30 - 1pm PST
Sat Dec 25 Office Closed
Sun Dec 26 Office Closed
Mon Dec 27 Office Closed

Dec 28 - 30 8:30 - 6pm PST

Friday Dec 31 Office Closed
Sat Jan 1 Office Closed
Sun Jan 2 Office Closed
Mon Jan 3 8:30 - 6pm PST

Best regards,

Otis Ashby

Sales & Operations

Did You Hear the Joke About Airport Security?

2010-12-16T09:15:00.000-08:00

Like most people in this industry, I like to travel. I like the attentive in-flight service. I like the exotic destinations and the people that live there. I like the fabulous hotels with their tasty breakfast buffets and their self indulging spas.

What I don't like is airport security. I am not going into a rant as to why I don't like it, instead I thought I would share some jokes that have been making their way around the water cooler and brought a smile to my face.

Airport security slogans that did not catch on:

Can't see London, can't see France unless we see your underpants
Grope Discounts Available
TSA: Touchin' Squeezin' Arrestin'
If we did our job any better we would have to buy you dinner first.
You were a virgin
We handle more packages than UPS
Don't worry, my hands are still warm from the last guy.
It's not a grope. It's a freedom pat.

Have your own joke, let me know!

Best regards,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Cocoa Beach Coming to China?

2010-12-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

Ever since I was kid, I wanted to go into space and be an astronaut. And my favourite astronaut at the time was Major Anthony Nelson. Ok fine, he wasn't a real astronaut but he had a challenging career constantly interrupted by the antics of his genie, Jeannie. His misfortunes took place in the city of Cocoa Beach, Florida which grew around the American Space Program in the 60s.

Well China is banking on their space program by introducing space tourism with the construction of a science theme park in its newest spaceport located in Wenchang City, southern Hainan Province.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the 120-hectare theme park will be located at the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center and is expected to be completed in 2013.
The theme park will have four exhibition sections, featuring the earth, moon, Mars and the sun. Visitors will be able to enter parts of the launch station and watch the actual rocket launch.
Wenchang Satellite Launch Center is planned as the launch pad for China's lunar probe rocket in 2013.

Now, this sounds really cool and could make for a new and unique travel destination in China.

Best regards,
Otis AshbySales & Operations

Managing Jetlag

2010-11-25T14:55:00.000-08:00

Being in the travel business, my friends and colleagues frequently ask me how do I deal with jetlag when travelling to Asia. So I thought I would share my travel tips with you.

1. Adjust your internal and external clock before you board the plane. When travelling to Asia I try to minimize the amount of time I sleep on the plane as most flights arrive in the afternoon/evening. By the time I have cleared customs, picked up my bags and checked into my hotel, it is time for a light dinner and then bedtime!

2. Take short naps, but never for more than an hour. This is probably the hardest thing to do as your body is desperately asking for more sleep.

3. Do not sleep in late and try to be active first thing in the morning. Taking an early morning walking tour is a great way to see the city and get some fresh air and sunlight.

4. Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

5. Try to avoid caffeine. Let your body try to find its natural sleep rhythm, adding a cup of joe will delay the adjustment.

Best regards,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

A Taste Of China

2010-11-22T13:31:00.000-08:00

By Dee Walmsley

Most westerners were given a glimpse of Beijing's unique architecture during the Olympics; the bird's nest and water cube are the most architecturally stunning and technically engineered permanent structures that remain. However, those images failed to convey the cleanliness and floral beauty of the host country. Today the straw-wrapped trees [a trick to conserve moisture], flower-filled baskets, and foliage-filled medians dress the entire landscape.

The Chinese love the colour red. They believe it brings them luck and prosperity and it is everywhere: red and gold shine throughout Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City's palace.

Built between 1750-1764, during the Qing Dynasty, the Summer Palace boasts the largest imperial garden in China. Situated on a lake, its use of rocks, plants, pavilions, ponds and covered walkways provide a taste of history and a photographer's delight.

The brilliant blue Temple of Heaven, constructed from 1406 to 1420, is where the Emperor prayed each winter for good weather and crops: if they failed, so could his reign. The entire structure uses numbers. For example, the number nine, considered the most powerful digit: nine slabs are used to form the temple's circular altar. Pillars and columns represent days and months. In order to appreciate these structures fully, study their history prior to visiting the site.

Beijing, once called Peking, is the capital city and known as "Old China." Highlights include a trek along the grey-stoned Great Wall and sitting back in a red rickshaw while a smiling guide peddles you through a Hutong (lanes and alleys) formed by lines of siheyuan, a typical form of Chinese architecture where houses surround a courtyard. This tour gives visitors a taste of old Beijing, including a visit inside a siheyuan.

Shoppers and souvenir hunters will want to visit a cloisonné workshop to watch this ancient art form in action. Cloisonné refers to a decorative or ornamental enamelwork where delicate thin wires of gold, silver, brass or copper are fused to a metal plate in the form of a design. The cells in the design or cloisonnés are filled with vitreous enamel. Thin metal wire or metal strips separate each compartment or coloured area. A paste form of enamel is heated to join the enamel to the surface resulting in high gloss products from glowing jewelry to magnificent vases.

Before departing the city, restaurant connoisseurs must feast on Peking duck, a true delicacy especially the crispy skin, Beijing dumplings and the ever-popular dim sum, a treasure trove of steamed surprises.

A two-hour flight to Wuhan with its 60 universities makes this city the "educational centre" of China. A highlight is exploring the Provincial Museum, where 200,000 cultural relics from intricately painted pottery, jade carvings and bronze vessels are on display. Also featured are the Bianzhong bells, which were unearthed in 1978 from the 2,400-year-old tomb of "Marquis" Yi along with a 125-piece orchestra and 25 musicians. Costumed musicians play a replica of the chimes daily.

The Yangtze River, which originates in Tibet, is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world; enjoy a tour of the Yangtze Three Gorges from YiChang to Chongqing or Shanghai. The riverboats are comfortable and the food is fantastic while navigating down a long gorge guarded by stone cliffs. In 1994, the gorge was flooded to begin work on the Three Gorges Dam, which resulted in controversy and concern for inhabitants who lived along the river. Today, over 80,000 have been relocated either higher up the cliffs or on farmland. One of the cliff walls supports a lone Ba hanging coffin – an ancient ethnic Chinese custom of placing the dead body in a coffin and hanging it over a precipice.

Changing to a sampan, a small flat-bottomed Chinese boat crewed by five glistening oarsmen, we traverse the Shennong Stream where we are delighted to see golden-haired monkeys bathing in the clear water. All along the riverbanks, next to forgotten tombs, caves and foliage, cliff swallows build their nests. Stone steps and crumbling walls disappear into cobalt waters. The sound of a flute fills the air; perched at the entrance to a cave sits a man in blue joyfully serenading nature. When the water becomes shallow, the oarsmen hop onto the riverbank and with bamboo ropes pull the vessel through the narrows.

Back aboard the cruise ship *Sunshine*, we make our way to foreboding Fengdu, "the Ghost City" land of spirits. There are 75 Buddha and Tao temples in the town of Fengdu, most of them gathered on a famous hill named Ming Mountain, the legendary Taoist spirit world. Grotesque statues border temple entrances where displays of hideous tortures keep flash bulbs popping and children hiding in their mother's skirts.

Travellers disembark in Chongqing and fly to Xian for a quick walk through the most famous Buddhist pagoda built in 589 AD - the Wild Goose Temple. It is a land of red and gold. The sweet aroma of incense permeates the air as worshippers bow and pray before temple gates. Big Buddha, an 18-metre-high statue carved from one magnificent sandalwood tree, is stunning, as are an array of Buddhist sculptures throughout the pagodas.

Next stop, the incredible Terra-Cotta Museum: touted as the biggest on-site museum in China. In 1974, farmers drilling wells in search of water came upon pottery fragments and bronze weapons. The find was immediately reported to government officials and an archaeological team deployed to unearth an army of 7,000 plus soldiers, horses and chariots, birds and even some construction workers who were buried alive while guarding Emperor Qin's tomb since 210 BC. Today, a work in progress, the excavation and reconstruction continues. Visitors are encouraged to purchase the book *The Qin Dynasty Terra-cotta Army of Dreams* in the museum gift shop, where the farmer who discovered it all sits waiting to autograph each copy. The contents of this publication are not only enlightening but also contain a fascinating history.

On to Suzhou and the silk market where the life cycle of the silkworm is explained as we listen to the worms crunching mulberry leaves. We learn the intricacies of removing worms from cocoons, spinning and weaving hair-thin threads and lastly a shoppers delight browsing silk products from clothing to lighter-than-air duvets. The stretching of silk fibres for the duvets is an experience unto itself and definitely not for the feeble.

The Master of Nets garden is breathtaking, as are the residential buildings within. Imagine sitting overlooking a pond of lotus blossoms listening to each raindrop's song on the lush green leaves while a curtain of pearls cascades from a nearby roof and you, sipping green tea, compose one poem after another.

Words cannot describe the artisanship at the Embroidery Institute, where one piece of cloth with two very different designs on opposite sides is pure magic.Visit the Zhujiajiao Watertown, China's Venice, complete with boat cruises and local shops. This tour gives one a real insight into everyday living as we peek inside shops and cafes.

Finally, Shanghai, China's city of the future: 20 years ago, much of the land was a rice paddy. Today, construction cranes work endlessly building futuristic high-rise homes, hotels, restaurants and work places for the city's nearly 19 million people. The construction crane is now the official bird of Shanghai. Ride the elevator in the 88-stories JinMao Tower at 30 feet per second and not feel a thing. See the Oriental Pearl Tower lit at night as you stroll the Bund and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Shanghai. Plan to return, as this city is a tourist's dream well worth exploring.

This taste of China's engineering, technology and natural beauty is only a chopstick's view of a vast evolving country. A little pre-tour net surfing into one's itinerary is highly recommended as this country's history and culture is far beyond the retention of any tourist's mind.

---------
Used with permission from http://www.seniorlivingmag.com/

Back to the Wall

2010-11-18T12:42:00.001-08:00

Last week I had the opportunity to visit the Great Wall of China. This excursion was my 4th time to the Wall; however, it was my first time to the Mutianyu section of the Wall.

So, what is so special about the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall? For starters, this section is much further from Beijing than the other popular sections of the wall such as Badaling. Second of all, the stairs and walkways are also much steeper than the Badaling section.

But if you have the time and sense of adventure, I highly recommend that you make the trip to Mutianyu. The crowds are minimal, the contrast of scenery is much more dramatic and if you are a shutterbug, there are lots of opportunities to capture that perfect picture of this man made wonder.

Best regards,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Blissful Bali Spring Break Special

2010-11-15T09:32:00.000-08:00

Chinapac International offers Bali tour, an exciting and popular destination for the upcoming spring break. Departures are guaranteed from major Canadian cities including Vancouver, Calgary & Toronto plus an early booking bonus offer.

With spring break distantly nearing, travelers will be delighted to learn what Chinapac International has up its sleeves: 10 Days of Blissful Bali.

A new and hot destination this season, Bali is set to treat its visitors a true tropical paradise with a promising sun and fine sand. This Bali tour, which departs March 17, 2011, will take participants to the Love setting of the novel-based box office Eat Pray Love. Scenic tours from unique Rice Terraces to high mountain peaks, visits to sacred temples & villages plus Balinese cultural shows are all part of this Bali tour with still plenty of time to enjoy the beach and unwind.

Travelers are entitled to select 3-star accommodations at the Parigata Resort or 5-star accommodations at the Grand Mirage Bali Resort.
10 Day Blissful Bali Spring Break Special offers full land and air package starting from $1449 per person. And as a bonus offer, early bookings will receive a bottle of wine upon arrival or a 60 minute full body massage voucher. Tour departures from Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa are guaranteed with minimum of 2 persons.

Chinapac International specializes in travel service to China and the Orient and is proud to celebrate 25 successful years in the travel industry as the premier travel package tour operator to the People's Republic of China and South East Asia.

For more information, visit www.chinapac.com

We Are All One People of This World

2010-11-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

By Dale Kelly, Victoria, BC, Canada

From February 3 to May 25 of 2010 my wife Lorna, and I left Canada and traveled to Laos, Cambodia, Viet Nam, China, and Japan. We ended our four-month journey in Japan at Gyokuryuji Temple. I am a student of Shinzan Miyamae Roshi, the Abbot of Gyokuryuji.

In all five of these countries the people have been deeply influenced by Buddhism. We wanted contact with ordinary people as much as possible as well as visiting Buddhist temples, monasteries, and gardens along the way. This joint installment includes observations from Laos, Cambodia, and Viet Nam, with China and Japan to follow in the next installment.

We realize that writing this reflection is an abstraction from our lived experience; however, while we were traveling we were completely absorbed in the moment with our experiences. Now we can look at our photographs, reflect on our memories and recall the high points of the trip. We have been asked many times since returning: Why would two Canadians travel in Asia for four months and what where the high points of this experience?

From Victoria we flew to Bangkok via Seattle and Seoul. From Bangkok we flew the following morning to Vientiane, Laos where we stayed for one week. Our ‘Bed and Breakfast’ hotel room on the fifth floor was in a wonderful location with a balcony overlooking a Buddhist monastery and the Mekong River. About five o’clock each morning, while it was still dark, the bell in the monastery rang making a loud “gong”, dogs barked, and a few minutes later the monks silently headed out in single file carrying their bowls for their daily begging walk. People sitting or standing near the edge of the road, sometimes by candlelight, gave offerings to the monks as they passed by.

Vientiane is the center of Lao Buddhism with many active temples and monasteries. This gave us an opportunity to visit some of the most famous such as the ‘World-Precious Sacred Stupa,’ built in 1566. It is the most important national monument in Laos and home of the Supreme Patriarch of Lao Buddhism.

Also, among the many temples we visited, Wat Si Saket, now a museum is the oldest in the city. The architectural styles, the statues, the icons of Buddhism, were stunning, demanding wholehearted attention at every turn. This experience of becoming totally absorbed in what we are doing is one of the major draws for my wife and I traveling in foreign lands.

Zazen (sitting meditation) is very important, however, Hakuin said, “To practice Zen in movement is superior to doing so in the stillness of meditation.” The practice of “kufu” (absorbed, alert attention) can be the Zen practice of the traveler.

“Walk like a cow.
Look like a tiger!” - Roshi Miyamae

After a week of new sights, sounds, smells, foods and customs of a dramatically different culture, we flew to Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos where there were many more Buddhist sites to visit. We stayed there for almost three weeks, which gave us plenty of time to explore and talk with local people.

At one point we took an excursion out of Luang Prabang to an Elephant Camp where we stayed for three days and nights. We chose a company that had policies of taking good care of the elephants and working with the local hill tribe people. On the way to the camp we were introduced to several different minority people in their villages. Another day we kayaked along a tributary of the Mekong River and one morning at 7 am we helped to bathe elephants in the river, scrubbing their backs with long handled brushes. Later in the day, while riding on the elephants in a kind of bamboo chair for two, we viewed the jungle highlights from this lofty perch, an exciting way to gain a new perspective.

Lorna and I like to eat foods of other cultures. So everywhere throughout the trip we ate the local food. Thus, openness to foods, cultures, and contact with local people characterized our intent as travelers. Openness, a Buddhist practice, is emphasized by the following quote:

As for ‘effecting openness,’ The Book of Balance and Harmony says, “Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism – all simply transmit openness. Throughout all time, those who have transcended have done the work from within openness…learning Buddhism is meditation plunging into openness…

Thomas Cleary. The Secret of the Golden Flower. The Classic Chinese Book of Life. Harper/San Francisco. 1991, p.115

In early March we flew to Siem Reap, Cambodia where we stayed for a week at a fascinating B & B, a converted French Villa. For five days, in 37-38 degree Celsius heat, we toured the main area of the Angkor Archaeological Park, and also some of the more outlying ruins. The temple ruins, just north of Siem Reap, are the remnants of the Angkorean Wat, the largest ancient religious site in the world. There are many Angkorean-era ruins scattered across all of Cambodia as well as parts of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.

From Siem Reap we headed to Vietnam where we spent another month. We flew via Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), to Phu Quoc Island which is located in the Gulf of Thailand, 15 km south just off the coast of Cambodia, A small, relatively undeveloped island, Phu Quoc Island is known for its pearl farms, black pepper, fish sauce and white sandy beaches, a beautiful spot for a quiet meditative retreat. After eight days on Phu Quoc we flew back to Saigon (HCMC).

In the next few paragraphs Lorna tells of her experience in Saigon with a bookseller.

People travel for many reasons, of course. Dale and I have an intense interest in other cultures, especially in the lived experience of the people. We are both most interested in relating to the local people and listening to their stories of their lives, as well as sharing ours. There is much to appreciate in each country: the natural environment, the historical context, the foods, yet, it is the people that interest us most; who they are. We travel with curiosity, always willingness to engage with the people.

My repeated experience is that when I carry this openness into my contact with other people an openness to engage is often reciprocated.

Dale and I experienced this on many occasions. On our first morning in Ho Chi Minh City, we walked out onto the streets in search of a place to have breakfast, passing by the local vendors who had set up small plastic stools and tables as cafes on the sidewalks. About five minutes from our hotel we were able to find a street with many indoor cafes to choose from for breakfast. We chose one where the front of the café was completely open to the street so that we could have an unobstructed view to the all the activity of the street. It was such a delight to observe local street life from our perspective while sitting at the table. Shortly after ordering breakfast a young male vendor in his early twenties, approached our table selling sunglasses. We waved him on pointing to the tops of our heads where our sunglasses sat. Moments later a female vendor in her thirties selling paperback books entered the restaurant. She approached us with the very heavy looking tall stack of books she carried on her right shoulder. They were copied books, many of them the latest and most popular novels and travel books.

Given my interest in local people, I was open to engaging with this woman, rather than see her as a nuisance. I had no interest in purchasing any book yet I chose not to turn this woman away. I was interested in her and began to engage her in a conversation. The conversation centered on the books, and she would introduce each one to me, and I in turn would respond, depending on the book and my awareness of it. I was impressed and surprised to learn that the woman had a great deal of knowledge about many of the books she was selling and we had lovely experience discussing them. Through the medium of the books we talked about our lives and ourselves. A wonderfully rich experience!

We explored Saigon (HCMC) for three more days before flying to Danang, and then traveling by car to Hoi An: a wonderful little bicycle friendly town—easy to get around, quiet, mellow, full of history, and many tailor shops. Hoi An has many historical sites of Japanese and Chinese traders who exchanged goods here between the seventh and tenth centuries.
After ten days of exploring northern Viet Nam we were back in Hanoi once again where we boarded the evening train for our two-day/two night train trip to Beijing, China. On April 11 we arrived in the political and cultural centre of the world's most populous nation. And here begins another series of remarkable
experiences and stories for the next installment.

Ready, Set, Expo!

2010-10-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I had a chance to visit the Shanghai Expo. The Expo opened on May 1st and will be closing this Sunday October 31. On Tuesday, my wife and I arrived at the Expo grounds at 800am. The Expo opens at 9am and the pavilions open at 930am. One would think by arriving this early we would be one of the first ones there. By the time we arrived at one of the many entrance gates at the park, there were about 1000-1500 people in front of us, with 99.5% of the crowd being Chinese.

When the gates opened at 930am there was a mad dash to be first in line at the Expo’s most popular pavilions. People were not briskly walking but they were running. Running fast! Babies in strollers were being raced by their mothers. Seniors in their wheelchairs were yelling at their attendants to go faster.

Within 20 minutes, the most popular pavilions had already had long line ups. The China, Japan and Saudi Arabia pavilions had 4 hour lineups controlled by the China Military Police. UK, USA and Germany had lines of 3 hours. Needless to say we did not go into any of the above. We did manage to see about 8 pavilions including the Cirque du Soleil designed Canada Pavilion. (Show your Canadian passport and bypass the 2 hour line). By late afternoon, our feet were sore and heads were ringing so we decided to call it a day and treat ourselves to a 90 minute massage for less $30. Now that’s more my pace of life.

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Shanghai Expo, here I come.

2010-10-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

So next week I am off to China. My first stop will be the Shanghai Expo. The weather is supposed to be good with temperatures from 16c to 24c. Last week there were 970,000 visitors at Expo and the local media was advising people do not go to the Expo after 3pm. Lovely. While I am there, attendance numbers of over a million visitors per day is expected as the Expo closes forever on October 31.

With numbers like this it has to be a World record. Based on feedback from clients and tour operators I only plan to visit two pavilions. The Caribbean Pavilion and the Canada Pavilion.

There is no line for the Canada Pavilion if you bring your passport with you. So I am hoping to say hi to the flag, have some poutine, and call it a day.

I will let you know how it went next week.

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

We’re Number One. Again!

2010-10-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

For the fifth time in six years, Vancouver, home of Chinapac International’s head office, has been named the “Best City in the Americas” in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards survey. Americas is defined as Canada, Central and South America.

With its beauty, mountains, ocean, skyline, clean air, abundance of trees, out of the ordinary architecture, and its 4 seasons of outdoor fun, how could anyone resist?

Recommended a Vancouver stopover to the next client you send to Asia! Although the taxes may vary, airlines usually do not charge extra for a YVR layover.

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Living out of a suitcase. Must be trade show time.

2010-10-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

Today I am in Canada's Big Smoke, Toronto wrapping up my Eastern Canada Addison Shows. This week I have already been to Ottawa, London and Montreal, I am looking forward to finishing today's show and then heading home to have some turkey with the family.

The shows have been quite successful for Chinapac as we have been introducing our new Eat Pray Bali products to the Canadian marketplace

8 Day Eat Pray Love In Bali a great but yet affordable package for those that enjoy beaches, food, cycling and yoga. Its lush beauty makes Ubud the ultimate location for amour; yet a lesser-known attraction of this mountain town is its accomplished culinary scene, Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling memoir Eat, Pray, Love comes to the big screen, filmgoers will be treated to the breathtaking visuals of the “Love” setting: Ubud, Bali.

16 Day Eat Pray Cruise Clients visit Singapore, Bali, Malaysia and Thailand. Aboard the luxurious 5-Star Super Star Virgo, enjoy delicious Asian Cuisine, live entertainment and Spa services.

The response so far to these tours has been quite enthusiastic and I am sure we will be seeing a spike in our Bali tours this winter. For clients that are looking for something different this winter, I would put Bali high on that list.

Well it is almost lunch time so off to Dundas Square to soak up some of Toronto's warm concrete ambience.

See you tonight!

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

China National Day that Lasts a Week

2010-10-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will celebrate the beginning of the National Day of the People's Republic of China. This holiday is celebrated every year on October 1 and lasts for a week.
During this time most businesses and offices are closed. In addition, the Canadian and American China Consulate will also be closed. During this time visa applications will not be accepted.

Travelers in China can expect extreme traffic, long lineups (especially for the Shanghai Expo) and massive crowds at popular sightseeing locations such as Tian An Men Square. So if you have clients in China right now and they did not book with Chinapac, I wish them luck.

Chinapac’s next group departure, the 16 Day 5-star China Tour& Yangtze Special China, arrives in Beijing on October 10, avoiding the travel woes that many North American tourist face during this holiday.

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival but what the heck is that?

2010-09-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival but what the heck is that?

Every year at about this time, my local partners in China always send me Happy Moon Festival Wishes and then advise me that they will not be in the office for the next 2 days.

Coincidentally, my desk is usually covered in little red boxes containing a petite but heavy cake from loyal customers and local suppliers.

Well after 10 years of working at Chinapac, I decided to find out more about this event by speaking with my colleagues in the office and I found out the following.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a popular harvest festival celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese people, dating back over 3,000 years.

This year the festival takes place Sept 22 -24, 2010 with most businesses and offices in China being closed. This time off gives the Chinese a chance to reunite with their family and friends to celebrate with tasty food such as Moon Cakes, fruits, and crab!

At night, families will gather outside with their lanterns to enjoy the beauty of the moon and light incense in honor of Chang'e the Chinese Goddess of the Moon.

Sounds like a fun party! And yes Chinapac will be open during this time

中秋快乐!

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Otis' Addison Roadshow Update

2010-09-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

So here I am in sunny downtown Winnipeg getting ready to do the last show of the Prairies Addison Series. During the past week I have had the opportunity to speak with new and veteran travel agents from Edmonton, Calgary and Saskatoon.

These shows have always been great opportunities for Chinapac to connect with agents that are currently using our services …once you use Chinapac you never go back. It also allows me to find out what we can do to improve our company.

The general consensus amongst travel agents is they enjoy working with our company, feel comfortable recommending our tours to their clients, our prices are competitive but not budget and our anything is possible attitude.

But surprisingly, what I am hearing the most is that agents such as yourself want more from us. More brochures, more information and more products easily accessible.

Over the next few months there will be some exciting announcements about how Chinapac will attend to these requests. Things are going to start to get really interesting for this Vancouver based tour operator and I hope you will join me on this new adventure.

Happy Thursday,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

Lucky Winner - Part 2

2010-09-09T15:26:00.000-07:00

Good luck had struck Chinapac for a second time in 6 months.

Jacqueline Jing, Senior Travel Consultant at Chinapac International, was the happy winner of return ticket from Vancouver to Seoul from Korea Airlines. The Korea National Tourism organization hosted an evening of product knowledge, cultural performances, delicious food and lucky draws.

If you have clients planning a trip to South East Asia, drop Jacqueline a line as she has travelled throughout Asia and can give you the inside scoop on cities, hotels and attractions.

2 for 1 specials, early booking bonuses, and prices that are too low to be true...

2010-09-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

Chinapac explains the difference between their company and everybody else

When it comes to picking an Asia tour operator, many options are available. But while many tour operators claim to be the best of everything, there are a few things to keep in mind, as not all tour operators are created equally.

Price
It’s easy to get into a pricing war during these tough economic times. In order to recoup their losses, some China tour operators build in shopping stops at overpriced stores that may or may not be listed on the itinerary. The tour operator then receives a shopping commission from the store. Sometimes an employee from the tour operator will even accompany the group on the tour to ensure they receive their shopping commission.
When Chinapac International offers a low price, that’s what it is: a low price. We have a great working relationship with our partners in China and are able to negotiate better prices on our tours so we can pass them on to you. In our 25 years of business, Chinapac has not requested or received a cent of shopping commissions.

Quality
Every China tour operator claims to provide a quality, tour but how do you determine quality? Our Canadian management team visits China many times a year to ensure our preferred hotels and cruise ships remain up to standard. We prefer to use 4-star quality hotels that also reflect Chinese culture. Our groups are also much smaller than most - at Chinapac we consider a party of six a group, and over the past three years, most of our programs have had an average of fewer than 16 people. Our clients tell us they appreciate this approach. Lastly we are known for our FAM tours. Our FAM tours are not crammed with hotel inspections, presentations, and meet & greets. On our FAM tours, you experience the tours just as your clients would.

Service
From the time you make the first call or send the first e-mail, you will experience Chinapac’s superior service. Our extended business hours are designed to fit your schedule and our agents are available to speak with you seven days a week. Our agents are very knowledgeable of China and experienced in selling China tours to Canadians. We often receive compliments about our sales staff and tour guides. I invite you to visit us online and read some of these comments.
Experience during a crisis.
In our 25 years of business, Chinapac has seen its fair share of challenges in the travel industry, including the Tian An Men Square Protest of 1989, 9/11 attacks, and the 2002 SARS outbreak. While some companies folded, Chinapac was able not only to survive, but to grow through tough times because of strategic planning, innovative thinking and our commitments to price, quality and service. The current economic situation is another opportunity for Chinapac to set itself apart from other operators. When you are planning that $10,000 vacation for a client, you can be confident we will be here when your client is ready to travel.
If you have never booked with Chinapac or haven’t booked with us lately, I personally invite you take a look at our product and services. There has never been a better time to travel to China with us.

Wishing you all the best during the autumn travel season,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations
Chinapac International

Chinapac featured in Ming Pao Magazine

2010-05-27T09:22:00.001-07:00

Chinapac's Director of Sales & Operations, Otis Ashby, was recently featured in the Ming Pao Saturday Magazine.

The article discussed what Westerner's thought of traveling to China and other Asian destinations.

Otis Ashby offered a quite humorous and realistic view on his experiences traveling to China....8 times and counting.

Read the full article here.

Lucky Winner

2010-03-22T14:16:00.001-07:00

Good luck had struck Chinapac yesterday.

Otis Ashby, our Sales and Operations Director for Chinapac International in Vancouver, was the happy winner of a business class return ticket to Taipei from China Airlines recently. China Air was celebrating its 10th year of services to Vancouver and held a celebratory lunch at the Shiang Restaurant in Richmond, BC. Flanking Ashby are Simon Lee (l), departing general manager of China Airlines in Canada and Eddie Yeh (r), the newly assigned GM.

Canadians really like their hockey

2010-03-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

I read this article the other day in the Vancouver Sun and I found it funny because Canadians like to travel but we are also very polite when we travel. However, when hockey comes into play, things kind of go sideways.

Canada's largest airline has learned it sometimes has to take a back seat to the country's biggest sporting passion, ice hockey, the head of Air Canada said on Tuesday.

The airline was forced to delay a flight from Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games because passengers watching the end of gold medal final on airport televisions ignored repeated calls to board.

"We incurred a flight delay for a reason Air Canada had not yet encountered in over 72 years of existence," chief executive Calin Rovinescu told a business gathering.

The Canadian fans were rewarded for their delay, as the nail-biting end to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics saw Canada beat arch-rival United States

3-2 in overtime.

Free China Visas

2010-02-19T13:45:00.001-08:00

So this week we decided to sweeten the pot for people thinking of traveling to China this year. If travelers buy the Air Canada ticket from us and select from one of our popular weekly departures
6 Day Deluxe Beijing Tour (BJS)
11 Day Beijing, Xian & Shanghai (BXS)
or 13 Day Best Of China Tour (BXGS)

Clients will receive free visa processing which is an $80 value. The offer is only valid April 30, 2010 but travelers can depart any time in 2010.

We've arrived

2009-10-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

So after hearing about how important it is for companies to involved in social networking, I decided to jump in and see how it goes. So far so good. Not quite sure what we will do with this space as want to talk about our China tours and other destinations but I also want to talk about the people that make this place a great environment to work. We'll see how things go