Earthquake hits Myanmar near China and Thai borders

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

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.

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

What is a good Asia tour operator?

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

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!

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