AS2 jan16 13/1/09 11:42 Page 46
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Shanghai, on July 22, which is featured in China is often seen as a ‘must see’ destina-
tours by several operators, and the Expo tion and we are encouraged by the booking
CHINA HOTSPOTS
2010 extravaganza (in Shanghai from May patterns for next year,” he added.
to October, 2010). “In the future, independent travel will ■ Beijing: Interest in China’s capital was
More destinations will start making their overtake escorted touring sales, as clients heightened by the Olympics, and with
mark as travellers explore beyond the tradi- look for a more personal holiday experience many new hotels visitors wanting to see it
tional triangle of Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an. that can be taken at their own pace. The for themselves.
Tour operators are positive about China’s Olympics provided the springboard for the
prospects. Premier Holidays’ head of Far- improvement in China’s leisure infrastruc- ■ Shanghai: The 21st-century’s longest
away product, David Carlaw, said: “Before ture which will facilitate this trend.” solar eclipse in July is selling strongly for
the Olympics there was some negativity and Wendy Wu Tours managing director the city, which will host Expo 2010.
people were a bit apprehensive about going. Laurence Hicks believes the Beijing
But the Olympics have made a big impres- Olympics had a positive impact for China ■ Xi’an: China’s Terracotta Army remains
sion. People learned a lot about China from and will offer a long-lasting benefit to the a huge lure, boosted by the British Museum
TV coverage of the Games.. country. The operator claims 2008 sales exhibition in 2008.
“The country is being seen in a much were almost double those of 2007, helped
more positive light. We expect a surge in by the Olympics. ■ Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan:
bookings over the next couple of months.” “The escorted tours market is more robust Provincial capital Chengdu, home to one
Kuoni product man- than others, as our customers are tradition- of China’s main panda sanctuaries, was
ager Darren Lancaster ally retired, inflation-proof, have money unscathed by the tragic earthquake, as
conceded sales to saved in the bank and are looking to fulfil was Unesco-listed Jiuzhaigou, otherwise
China in 2008 were their list of lifetime dreams.” known as Nine Village Valley.
down on 2007 levels Travel 2 product executive Alex Loizou
and said the recession said: “The Olympics showcased Beijing as a ■ Yangtze River cruises: With the Three
meant it faced similar vibrant city with much to offer. Since the Gorges Dam project all but complete and
challenges to other desti- Olympics. We have seen an increase to book- water levels in the gorges nearing their full
nations in 2009. ings in China and forward bookings suggest height as a result, demand for cruises is
“Fortunately that this is set to continue through 2009.” growing again.
Peter Ellegard
■ Guilin: The fabled, beautiful karst peaks
CHINA IN 2009: NEW TOURS TO BOOK
lining the Li River are drawing ever more UK
visitors.
■ Premier Holidays: Four new coach tours ■ Wendy Wu Tours: Two new tours plus an
launched with Wendy Wu Tours, taking in the additional departure of an existing itinerary ■ Sanya: Forget the failed Airtours charters
solar eclipse, plus its first Yangtze cruise. to its Eclipse Tours programme, giving four – new high-class hotels will help make
trade.premierholidays.co.uk eclipse-watching tours in July 2009. China’s tropical beach a popular add-on
wendywutours.co.uk to Hong Kong or a China tour.
■ Kuoni: A new 15-night China in Style tour
covers Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Yangtze, Shang- ■ Hayes & Jarvis: There are several more ■ Lijiang, Yunnan province: Minority
hai and Guilin with five-star accommodation independent tours, plus two new Exclusive cultures, stunning mountain scenery and
and private excursions, leading in at £3,299 Collection cruise and rail add-on options its well-preserved historic centre will be
per person. China has also been included in offering a four-night Yangtze cruise (from powerful draws.
its World Class portfolio, including a private £569) and five days on the luxury Tangula
eight-night Ultimate China tour with extensions train from Beijing to Lijiang in Yunnan province ■ Tibet: A slow recovery from last year’s
to Sanya, Hong Kong and Yangtze cruises. (from £2,579). unrest will be helped by the introduction of
kuoni.co.uk hayesandjarvis.co.uk/agents a new luxury train from Beijing, the Tangula.
20% MORE LEGROOM
JAL Sky Shell Seat, the world’s first shell-shaped seat in Premium Economy Class and winner of the 2008
Good Design award, offers a spacious 20% more legroom than Economy Class. Now available on our
London to Tokyo and Osaka routes, JAL really is the best option when it comes to comfort and space.
Visit
www.uk.jal.com or telephone 0845 7 747 700
46 16.01.2009
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