The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce is planning to travel to China in April of 2014, and it wants to bring as many people along for the ride as possible.
Partnering with the company Citslinc – a business that has organized trips overseas for more than 800 chambers across North America – the Abbotsford chamber is planning a nine-day event that allows visitors to experience China on a guided tour.
“We were introduced to this last year by the Canadian Chamber executive group,” explained Allan Asaph, executive director of the Abbotsford chamber.
In April, Asaph travelled to China as part of a pilot trip. He was impressed with the country, but also with the quality of the tour itself.
Now the chamber wants everyone to have the opportunity to see China for themselves.
“We’ve titled the tour Discover China because it’s not a trade mission. We are not going over there for the sole purpose of developing business relationships,” he said.
While there will be some opportunities to talk business, Asaph said primarily the trip is designed to introduce people to the history, culture and everyday life of modern China.
The trip takes place April 4-12. It is all-inclusive and participants will visit four of China’s leading cities, Beijing (site of the 2008 Olympics), Suzhou (where Tiger Hill, also known as Surging Sea Hill, the most famous scenic spot in the country is located), Hangzhou and Shanghai (which is located along the Yangtze River).
Visitors will also see the Great Wall of China which was built more than 2,000 years ago and spans over 4,000 miles.
The cost is $2,499 per person for chamber members and guests and $2,649 for non-members. There is an additional $500 charge for single occupancy. The price includes round-trip international airfare from Vancouver, accommodation in four- and five-star hotels, three meals per day, all in-country transportation, experienced English-speaking tour guides and all tour fees.
“There is something in this tour for everybody,” said Asaph.
The chamber is hosting an information meeting on Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Coast Abbotsford Hotel and Suites (2020 Sumas Way). Leo Liu, president of Citslinc will be on hand to answer questions about the excursion.
Asaph said they hope to attract between 60 and 80 travellers.
For information visit www.abbotsfordchamber.com/pages/China or call 604-859-9651
Free trip
The Abbotsford News is going to send one lucky reader to China as part of the chamber tour. For all the contest details, visit abbynews.com/contests.