Recommend December 2011 - (Page 23)

it’s a slam dunk for china rca Best Selling Destination in Asia 15th annual W sergio ortiz FOR AWARDS PIECES winner Whenever China is mentioned, the ﬁrst impression is consistently that of a great, vast, enigmatic land deﬁned generally by its iconic treasures: The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the hectic modern pace of Hong Kong, Shanghai’s Bund and other world-renowned wonders that have become its symbols. It isn’t too far off the mark to say that China will be Asia’s top-seller for years to come because the Middle Kingdom—chosen by Recommend readers as the Best Selling Destination in Asia in the 15th annual Readers’ Choice Awards for six consecutive years—is much more than familiar landmarks and cities. It is a veritable galaxy of untold treasures where travelers ﬁnd serendipity lurking around every corner. The China National Tourist Ofﬁce (CNTO), with ofﬁces in Los Angeles and New York, is a wellhead for information for travel agents when directing clients. One of its missions, according to the CNTO representative in Los Angeles, is to help travel agents and tour operators in selling China to Americans by providing them with sales tools, including travel brochures, videos, displays and other materials. It’s not hyperbole to say that China has something for everyone. It’s difﬁcult to ﬁnd a more colorful, delightful, delicious and diverse country. An expected increase in tourist arrivals (more than two million U.S. citizens visited last year) has prompted a number of changes to the Chinese travel industry, mostly affecting hotels and cruise lines. Major international hotel chains plan to strengthen their presence by readers’ choice awards winner rca 15th annual adding hotels not only in China’s principal cities, but also in secondand third-tier destinations. InterContinental Hotels Groups (IHG) presently manages 154 properties in China. The predicted surge of visitors has prompted IHG to map out 142 additional properties. This development would be the largest in China and a quarter of IHG’s global total. Hilton Worldwide, meanwhile, announced that it plans to have 100 hotels in China by 2014. That would quadruple the number of properties it currently manages in the country, making China Hilton’s second largest market after the U.S. Starwood Hotels & Resorts—which won this year as Best Resort/ Hotel Chain in Asia—has 70 hotels in China, and has more than 90 new hotels in development in the region. According to the CNTO, the high number of foreigners expected in the very near future poses a welcome challenge. Chinese ports are bracing for an increase of visiting cruise lines. Indeed, two international cruise operators have unveiled plans to sail into China. Miami-based Royal Caribbean will add new luxury cruise ships to its Chinese routes in 2012, while Costa Cruises will introduce a new ship that will increase the line’s capacity by 40 percent. Whether by land or by sea, China remains a very proﬁtable destination, as the ﬂow of tourists is only exceeded by its long list of alluring destinations. l contact information China National Tourist Ofﬁce: cnto.org KOREA Customized Independent Tours Visit Korea during World Expo 2012 on our Explore Korea with World Expo tour. Valid for travel 12 May - 12 Aug'12. 2016613-20 WORLD EXPO TOUR 9 Days $3260 STOP & SHOP SEOUL 3 Days $235 Include a stop in Seoul on your next Asia vacation before the holidays and get a free shopping guide. Valid to 15 Dec’11, after 15 Dec’11, peak season surcharges apply. 866 913 6917 • www.goway.com/Korea • Call us for the best fares to Asia december 2011 23 http://www.cnto.org http://www.goway.com/Korea http://www.goway.com/asia/Korea/index.html

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend December 2011

Sabre Travel Network
Rail Europe & Hertz Rental Car
Southwest Airlines & Delta Air Lines
Florida
Hawaii
France & Italy
Tahiti
Thailand
China
Cancun
Riviera Maya
Costa Rica
Jamaica
Aruba Certified Expert Specialist Program
Saint Lucia
South Africa
Israel
Isram
Abercrombie & Kent
Globus
Goway Travel
Travel Impressions
Avanti Destinations
GOGO Worldwide Vacations
Apple Vacations
Tauck
Marriott International
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Sandals & Beaches Resorts
AMResorts
Best Western International
Cruising to the Top

Recommend December 2011