Earthquake in Southwest China. Chinapac clients and tours unaffected.

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!

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