Cirque du Soleil Calls Curtains in Macau

Another of one Canada's superstars has been struggling to make it big in China. First Blackberry struggles with growth in China and now Cirque du Soleil has called it quits only 3 and a half years into its 10 year contract. Cirque has pulled its show 'Zaia' out of Macau due to disappointing ticket sales.

The key reason for its failure is Cirque did not quite understand their market. Visitors to Macau, who are mainly from China, focus on gambling and stay for an average of 1.5 nights. The sole purpose of their trip is to gamble. Quite the contrast from the mature Vegas market where people stay for 3.5 days and gamble, shop, eat, catch a fight and watch the Vegas shows. Despite the short stays, the gambling revenue in Macau surpasses Las Vegas by leaps and bounds.

Another reason why I think Cirque did not do well is that there are so many similar type large production shows in Mainland China. Lots of high caliber shows in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guilin, Xian and Beijing are offered for a fraction of the price. Many of these shows are also featured in our popular China tours.

That being said, is Macau still a destination worth visiting? The answer is most definitely! Macau, which was colonized by the Portuguese and recently handed back to the Chinese, is accented with Portuguese architecture, food and culture. Something quite unique for the nation of China.

So if you are bound for Hong Kong, I suggest a day trip to Macau by ferry. Participants will leave their Hong Kong hotel in the morning, enjoy a city tour of Macau, take pleasure in a seafood lunch and return to Hong Kong just in time for dinner. Pricing starts from only $121 per person.

Happy Thursday,

Otis Ashby
Sales & Operations

I'm coming home!

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

We are live! Chinapac's New Booking Engine

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!

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

Happy National Tourism Day!

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