CONTACT:
Hilari Graff at Strategic Vision
Tel: 914-881-9056/9020
hgraff@strategicvision.org
IMPERIAL TOURS TARGETS MICE MARKET FOR CHINA
Brings Outstanding Service & Itinerary Execution To Growing Business Segment
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (February 10, 2011) – Imperial Tours, the leading luxury tour operator based in China, is now targeting the MICE market for the first time with the same style, exceptional service, and unparalleled itinerary execution that have earned the company its deservingly distinguished reputation.
“We have been crafting personalized private itineraries for leisure travelers and affinity groups –including select MICE programs – for over a decade so it’s a natural next step for us to develop an enhanced emphasis on this business sector,” said Guy Rubin, Founder & Managing Partner of Imperial Tours.
“We’re no stranger to the needs and interests of China-bound MICE groups,” he added, continuing: “Our success with this segment goes beyond our hospitality and leisure expertise, and revolves around our core strengths of site management logistics, program design, and meticulous attention to detail.”
Imperial’s Strategic Focus
Imperial Tours can coordinate customized programs for groups of up to 180, with the ideal range between 30 – 120 people. The company’s specialty encompasses:
“We don’t deliver cookie-cutter experiences. Every program is customized to the individual tastes of a particular group where flawless execution of a trip from start to finish is the only option,” Rubin commented.
Sample MICE Itineraries
With this new strategic focus on the MICE market, Imperial is unveiling four sample programs that can be customized to a group’s individual preferences. These programs should be considered a starting point from which Imperial can design a memorable, unmatched trip for a MICE group.
Demonstrating the company’s depth of onsite knowledge and creativity when it comes to designing targeted programs, these samples mix conventional destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong with up-and-coming new ones like Hangzhou (where China’s best-known green tea is cultivated) and Lhasa (in Tibet). Click on the links below to view the sample itineraries:
Western Itinerary Designers & China Hosts
One of Imperial’s points of distinction in the marketplace is their skilled Western Itinerary Designers and China Hosts, who are used to working with the most sophisticated and discerning clients.
China Hosts – the onsite tour manager/concierge who accompanies Imperial’s programs – are experts in delivering a bespoke program that truly reflects differentiation from the competition. Their long-cultivated local relationships empower them to go above and beyond what is expected.
The Western Itinerary Designers (who live in China and are intimately familiar with the destination) generate travel experiences from the subtle to the awe-inspiring. There is no commission-compromised dining or shopping so planners can be assured their clients are receive the utmost in quality while traveling.
Praise for Performance
Imperial Tours has been privileged to coordinate programs for Barclays, British Telecom, Cambridge Associates, Ferragamo, Getty Conservation Institute, Raymond James, and the Victoria & Albert Museum, among others.
“Thank you for the amazing service and commitment your staff showed onsite for the recent British Telecom event. Your China Hosts were complete stars, fitting seamlessly into the event team to deliver what delegates have confirmed as ‘flawless logistics.’”
Belinda Raynes – Event Director
“Your company did such a fantastic job of managing this incentive group. In all of my 18 years experience handling them, this is the first time I have had such overwhelming compliments about the program.”
Carole Barrett, Art of Travel
China On The World Stage
There is tremendous opportunity in China for MICE groups as evidenced by the 2010 Reed Travel Exhibitions Survey of approximately 400 buyers, which stated that “51% of buyers expect a budget increase for China and Asia events.” Additionally, the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2010 World Expo in Shanghai provided global exposure of China as a credible events destination – plus Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong are repeatedly cited as the top three China destinations for meetings and events.
Contact Us
To find out more about booking a MICE program with Imperial Tours, please contact reservations@imperialtours.net. Agents with immediate questions can contact Margot Kong, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, in the San Francisco office at margot@imperialtours.net or 1-888-888-1970.
A member of Virtuoso and Signature, Imperial has been named to Travel + Leisure’s ‘A’ List of Super Agents every year between 2002 and 2010 and distinguished as a ‘top travel specialist’ by Condé Nast Traveler from 2008 – 2010.
Become a fan of Imperial Tours on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/imperialtours.
Note to Editors
High-resolution digital images of Imperial Tours/China are available upon request.
Imperial Tours, a leading luxury tour operator to China, doubled its revenue in 2010 (as compared to 2009) with 75 percent of the growth realized in the second half of the year. Imperial cited the bookings of its FIT vacations (including the new China Escapades product that was introduced last year) and several museum groups whose benefactors were prepared to travel internationally as what spearheaded the increase in 2010 sales. To push continued revenue growth in 2011, based on the substantial increase in first quarter bookings over the same period in 2010, Imperial Tours has restructured its organization.
Effective immediately, all new inquiries, sales, reservations, lead fulfillment and itinerary planning will be handled by the Beijing office. A team of itinerary designers – Westerners who have each lived in China for several years, speak Chinese fluently, and possess in-depth knowledge of how to craft a customized, high-end journey through China – will address queries coming into this office. The itinerary designers will be headed by Nancy Kim, managing partner in charge of Imperial’s operations. For all reservations and new inquiries, contact Nancy Kim at nancy@imperialtours.net. She will personally re-route requests to the appropriate itinerary designer.
Marketing and business development (such as for the incentive and group sectors) will be the focus of the San Francisco office, headed by Margot Kong, who has been promoted to vice president, marketing and business development. The San Francisco office remains available to U.S. agents and clients who have immediate questions or need to review itineraries over the phone. Margot Kong can be reached at margot@imperialtours.net or 888-888-1970.
Imperial Tours offers customized private tours and scheduled escorted group departures that combine local expertise with the high levels of service and quality expected by sophisticated Western travelers. Imperial Tours offers two types of bespoke FIT vacations — Ultimate China and China Escapades. Ultimate China is ideal for those seeking a hosted luxury experience and where the “best of the best” is a priority. A bilingual Western China host accompanies travelers throughout an Ultimate China itinerary to ensure a flawless experience.
China Escapades is targeted to independent and adventurous travelers seeking greater autonomy and who are more price sensitive. They desire to explore China’s intriguing sights, sounds and culture with a less mediated experience in a destination. Additionally, Imperial features four regularly scheduled group tours that encompass exceptional accommodations, excellent sightseeing, and enriching experiences. For information, call 888-888-1970 or visit www.imperialtours.net.
Read More >>
CONTACT:
Hilari Graff at Strategic Vision
Tel: 914-881-9056/9020
hgraff@strategicvision.org
IMPERIAL TOURS DOUBLES REVENUE IN 2010 FROM FIT & GROUP BOOKINGS;
RESTRUCTURES ORGANIZATION AS RESULT
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (January 26, 2011) – Reflective of the ensuing economic recovery, Imperial Tours (www.imperialtours.net), the leading luxury tour operator to China, doubled its revenue in 2010 (as compared to 2009) with 75 % of the growth realized in the second half of the year. Imperial cited the bookings of its FIT vacations (including the new China Escapades product that was introduced last year) and several museum groups whose benefactors were prepared to travel internationally as what spearheaded the increase in 2010 sales.
To accommodate continued revenue growth in 2011, based on the substantial increase in first quarter bookings over the same period in 2010, Imperial Tours has restructured its organization as follows:
The Itinerary Designers will be headed by Nancy Kim, Managing Partner in charge of Imperial’s operations. For all reservations and new inquiries, contact Nancy Kim at nancy@imperialtours.net, who will personally re-route requests to the appropriate Itinerary Designer.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have experienced such a rebound in sales in the second half of 2010, and we attribute these numbers to an increase in customized FIT business for both Ultimate China and China Escapades itineraries as well as group and incentive programs for an affluent clientele,” said Guy Rubin, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Imperial Tours.
“We created programs for the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego, Friends of the Katonah Museum in New York, and the Victoria & Albert Museum of London, which were extremely well-received, so while we’re continuing with individual tailor-made itineraries, we’ll further develop group and incentive requests,” he added.
Imperial Tours – Traveling China…in Style
The leading luxury tour operator based in China, Imperial Tours offers customized private tours and scheduled escorted group departures that combine local expertise with the high levels of service and quality expected by sophisticated Western travelers.
Unmatched in the industry with its breadth and depth of resources, Imperial Tours offers two types of bespoke FIT vacations – Ultimate China and China Escapades. Ultimate China is ideal for those seeking a ‘hosted’ luxury experience and where the ‘best of the best’ is a priority. A bilingual Western China Host accompanies travelers throughout an Ultimate China itinerary to ensure a flawless experience. China Escapades is targeted to independent and adventurous travelers seeking greater autonomy and who are more price sensitive. They desire to explore China’s intriguing sights, sounds and culture with a less mediated experience in a destination.
Additionally, Imperial features four regularly scheduled group tours that encompass exceptional accommodations, excellent sightseeing, and enriching experiences.
A member of Virtuoso and Signature, Imperial has been named to Travel + Leisure’s ‘A’ List of Super Agents every year between 2002 and 2010 and distinguished as a ‘top travel specialist’ by Condé Nast Traveler from 2008 – 2010.
Contact Information
For more information, please call (888) 888-1970, send an e-mail to margot@imperialtours.net or visit www.imperialtours.net. Become a fan of Imperial Tours on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/imperialtours.
Note to Editors
High-resolution digital images of Imperial Tours/China are available upon request.
Companies that define travel philanthropy – by Costas Christ
"Travel Philanthropy" also "philanthropic travel"
n 1. The act of giving back to host communities through time, talent, and treasure. 2. The intermediary between the wealth and desires of the global traveler and the socioeconomic needs of the world’s most heritage-rich communities, natural areas, and cultural sites.
The term “travel philanthropy” is less than ten years old, but the practice has been around at least since Buddha gave away his wealth while traveling through Asia and Jesus tended to the sick while wandering among remote villages in the Middle East. Modern-day travel offers just as many opportunities to do good: Countless travel advisors, tour companies, hotels, and cruise lines are giving back – and inviting clients to come along and help. The potential is huge: The travel and tourism industry is the world’s biggest provider of jobs, and in the past year more than 800 million people took an international vacation. In the months ahead, we’ll celebrate the travel industry’s charitable endeavors; here are a few companies leading the way:
Imperial Tours
A locally based China tour specialist providing experiences and access to places often inaccessible to the general public through private itineraries. Founded 1999.
Nancy Kim and Guy Rubin, managing partners, age 39, Beijing.
Why we got involved: “It was strikingly obvious that rural education and social welfare programs in China lacked funding, and children were falling between the cracks.”
The most rewarding part: “We have helped children in desperate circumstances, and when you receive a note from the child or his mother describing what the gift has meant to them, it is humbling.”
Unexpected outcome: “We once tried to sponsor the education of a begging orphan but were rebuffed by her blind minder who insisted we cover his lost income. After negotiations, we had to walk away because we were unable to guarantee that the girl would receive the education we were offering. Travel philanthropy is not always easy to do.”
Once in their life, every traveler should: “Enjoy a private dinner in style on the Great Wall of China.”
To travel more consciously: “Ask about a tour company’s environmental and social responsibility practices. Travelers’ demands are the engine to drive the travel industry forward in ways that can help the planet and local people.”
How travel has changed our lives: “Travel hasn’t changed our lives; it is our lives.”
Imperial Tours’ ten-day trip focuses on China’s “essential destinations” – Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, and Shanghai – including a private, chef-prepared lunch on the Great Wall. Imperial can arrange visits and volunteer experiences with some of the charitable projects they support. Departures: April 14, May 12, September 15, and October 13, 2011; from $7,920.
Costas Christ is an award-winning travel writer and Editor at Large for National Geographic Traveler. He is one of the world’s pioneers of ecotourism and is an internationally renowned expert in sustainable tourism.
© 2010 Virtuoso Life.
An enviable combination of scenic beauty, fascinating heritage, exotic cuisine and unforgettable up close and personal cultural and luxury experiences make this elite itinerary for China a must-try. Travel along our specially designed Silk Road, which takes you in Imperial style from Beijing to Xi’an to Guilin, to Hangzhou, to Shanghai and beyond.
1. Beijing Arrival
Arrive in Beijing and meet your China Host who’ll whisk you to the Park Hyatt Beijing, the tallest tower of the Beijing Yintai Centre in the heart of the city’s Central Business District. Book the 2,583-square-foot Chairman Suite with a large living area, ten-seat dining room, and spacious master bath with granite-slab tub. Dinner tonight is at the hotel’s China Grill on the 66th floor. As the highest restaurant on Chang’an Avenue, 360-degree city views can be spied through the enormous windows.
2. Beijing Tour
Start off the day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, one of the most important buildings in Beijing, while your local guide imparts history and facts along the way. Built in 1420, its most impressive structure is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, where the emperor of the Ming Dynasty prayed for a fruitful harvest. Afterwards, head to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Gain private access to three inner buildings in the Forbidden City, where Emperor Qianlong used to spend his winters.
3. The Great Wall
Today you’ll climb the nearby Great Wall of China, the 5,500-mile-long fortification constructed of stone and sticky rice, and have a special private banquet lunch on the wall itself overlooking the stunning scenery, complete with silverware and white linen tablecloth, all complements of Imperial Tours.
4. Xi’an Bound
This morning, you’ll visit the Summer Palace where the Dowager Empress Cixi used to vacation. In the afternoon, fly to Xi’an and check into the Sofitel Xi’an on Renmin Square, a totally modern hotel built in the city center. Set up camp in the hotel’s Presidential Suite for the remainder of your stay. Dinner tonight is a private dumpling-making session before enjoying a dumpling dinner (don’t worry, dinner is prepared by the chef).
5. Buried Treasures
Set out in the morning for the Terracotta Warriors Museum in Lintong to view the fascinating, life-size underground army of over 8,000 that guarded Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb, accidently discovered in 1974 by local farmers as they were trying to dig a water well. Next stop is the Yang Ling Museum, the first underground museum that displays a wide range of mini terracotta figurines including men, animals and concubines that reveal more about Imperial court life during the era of Emperpr Han Jing Di (156 BC to 141 BC). Then you’ll be led privately to the museum’s Restoration Room, where you can watch archaeologists restore broken figurines and even pick one up yourself – with gloved hands, of course.
6. Xi’an Antiques
Start the morning with a private visit to the Tang Dynasty Murals, dating from 706 AD in the Shaanxi History Museum in Xi’an. Professor Wang Jian Qi who has guided former President Clinton through the same works, will lead you through several halls containing about 600 murals in the process of being restored. Recovered from the tombs of royal Chinese rulers, only 100 have been cleaned and restored so far. Afterward, roam around the bustling Muslim quarter and meander through a mosque in the heart of the city.
7. On to Guilin
Fly on to Guilin, a spectacular region of natural beauty with craggy limestone towers overlooking lush planes of rice fields and fruit orchards. Check into the Hotel of Modern Art, a Relais & Châteaux property, and opt for the duplex Libre Suite with panoramic mountain views on both sides and precious artwork throughout. Take a tour of the hotel’s contemporary sculpture gardens among the stunning karst formations and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. For dinner tonight, sample an authentic “hot pot” meal in a spectacularly lit, artist-designed limestone cave.
8. River Trip
Begin the day with a ride on a traditional bamboo raft along a less-visited stretch of the Li River. Drift past rice paddies, children swimming in the rippling waters, and fishermen who click signals to their cormorants as they hunt the river bottom for fish. Have lunch al fresco, taking in the river view and surrounding mountains before driving into the heart of this rural area for an exclusive visit to a mountain village, where you can play with the school children, learn to make tofu and soy milk and have the opportunity to talk to the villagers and village head.
9. Next Stop, Hangzhou
In the morning you fly on to Hangzhou, a city dubbed the “most enchanting on earth,” whose scenic hills serve as a backdrop to the man made West Lake. Transfer to the brand new Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, an intimate lakeside village in serenely picturesque setting. Book the Presidential Villa and enjoy a private pool and tranquil garden views.
10. Explore Hangzhou
After breakfast, visit Lingyin Temple, one of China’s most famous Zen Buddhist temples, which dates from the fourth century. After lunch, continue on to the historic center of Hangzhou city, where you will be taken to a local teahouse to view a private Daoist-style tea ceremony and enjoy a tea tasting. Then experience an enchanting private gondola boat ride accompanied by your very own traditional Chinese orchestra.
11. More to Explore
Take a morning bike ride along the shores of West Lake and relish in the breathtaking landscapes and surrounding mountains. Then head over to the Southern Song Dynasty Guan Kiln Museum to see the remains of a Song Dynasty royal porcelain kiln, which had been used to produce celadon wares exclusively for Imperial use, and learn how these were fired.
12. Shanghai Supreme
You’ll drive to Shanghai today and check into the Park Hyatt Shanghai, the highest hotel in the world. Choose the 2,088-square-foot Chairman Suite with pandormaic city views through the soaring windows.
13. Old City Tour
Set out in the morning on a tour of Old Shanghai with a local historical expert. Walk the newly constructed promenade along the Huangpu River and admire the view across to the Pudong area. Then check out the Art Deco and neoclassical buildings along the Bund, wander through the quaint French Concession and get a look at the city’s original lilongs (lane neighborhoods). In the afternoon head to the Hongqiao Pearl Market for some insider shopping with a certified pearl expert.
14. Last Day Luxury
Head out in the morning for a walk in Yu Garden, a formerly private garden built during the Ming Dynasty now open to the public. Afterwards, check out Shanghai Museum’s display of bronze, jade, and other artifacts. End the night with a stunning acrobat show.
© 2010 Elite Traveler.
This month, China-based luxury tour operator Imperial Tours will expand its China Expert Training Program with four one-hour training sessions featuring in-depth information on destinations and hotels and strategies for up-selling. Once agents have completed the program and produced a certain amount of revenue, they will be eligible to receive up to an $1,800 cash bonus or a free FAM trip. Information on the rewards will be provided during the training sessions.
Initially launched in Jauary, earlier this year, the program this fall will start with Training Session #1, "VIP Access in Beijing & Xi’an," Wednesday October 20 at 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). It will highlight the company's key points of difference and offer an introduction to Beijing and Xi’an including accommodation options.
On Wednesday, October 27, 2 p.m. EST, Training Session #2, "Traveling Through China's Intriguing Destinations," will explore the lesser-known areas of Chengdu, Lijiang,Shangri–La and Lhasa and experiences to be enjoyed along the way.
Training Session #3, “Exploring Undiscovered China” will take place Wednesday, November 3 at 2 pm EST. It will discuss the attraction of destinations including Dunhuang,Hangzhou, Huangshan, Suzhou, the Yangzi River, Hong Kong, Macau and Sanya, for certain clients and present an assessment of hotel choices.
Lastly, on Wednesday, November 10 at 2 p.m. EST, Training Session #4, "Imperial Moments – Adding the Wow Factor" will provide insider access, experts and special activities. Then, agents will get to explore itineraries defined by customer segment (honeymooners, young families, older families, pre- and post-cruise) and receive information about scheduled small group tours.
Contact Margot Kong, Imperial’s Director of Sales & Marketing, atmargot@imperialtours.net to become a China Expert and receive a link to the recorded training sessions after each one takes place.
Visit www.imperialtours.net.
CONTACT:
Hilari Graff at Strategic Vision
Tel: 914-881-9056/9020
hgraff@strategicvision.org
New FIT Product Targets High-End Clientele With Adventurous Spirit;
Features 5-Star Accommodations, Services, Restaurants & VIP Amenities
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (June 24, 2010) – Imperial Tours (www.imperialtours.net) is expanding its portfolio with the launch of ‘China Escapades,’ a new FIT product targeted to more independent and adventurous travelers seeking greater autonomy and a lower price to explore China’s intriguing sights, sounds and culture.
“With demand for travel to China growing, our research in the luxury travel advisor community has shown that there is a need for an alternative to our current ‘hosted’ FIT product at a more accessible price point so we developed China Escapades,” said Guy Rubin, Founder and Managing Partner of Imperial Tours. “China Escapades affords greater flexibility to appeal to these distinct consumers who are more experienced, adventurous and often repeat travelers to China,” he added.
With the launch of China Escapades, Imperial Tours is re-branding its existing FIT product – now to be called “Ultimate China,” ideal for consumers who want a ‘hosted luxury’ experience. Central to an Ultimate China itinerary is a China Host, a Westerner fluent in Chinese and living in China who ensures superior quality and immediate service for a flawless vacation from start to finish.
Imperial’s two private programs are customized to the needs of the individual traveler but the scope of services varies between the Ultimate China and China Escapades products as follows:
FIT Tour Elements Ultimate China China Escapades
1. Accommodations Best 5-Star Hotels Best 5-Star Hotels
2. Room Type Best Available Best Available
3. Private Cars Unlimited Availability Available until 10:30pm
4. Tour Support Local guides and Local guides and virtual concierge
China Host via mobile phone/24-hour access
5. Guide Gratuities Included Not included
6. Meals All meals included Breakfast & Lunch only
Dinner options & menus provided
7. Destinations All possible Lhasa, Dunhuang & Huangshan
not available
8. Special Activities All are available Most Offered
China Escapades clients seek more independence in their travels and not the extra service a China Host provides. These customers opt for direct rather than mediated contact with local Chinese suppliers to add to their overall understanding of China. For optimum service levels and the security of never being completely alone, China Escapades guests have access to a western Virtual Concierge through a pre-programmed mobile phone 24/7.
For enhanced flexibility, dinners are not included in China Escapades itineraries but Imperial provides guests with restaurant recommendations and designs suggested menus for them to enjoy in Chinese restaurants. The freedom to choose their own dinner options appeals to the whimsical spirit of this traveler.
The Ultimate China client, on the other hand, prefers that a China Host take care of all the details (such as wake-up calls, restaurant menus, shopping recommendations to non-commissionable venues, fine-tuning an itinerary in real-time, and more).
The China Escapades tours do not offer Lhasa, Dunhuang or Huangshan because Imperial feels a China Host is essential to implementing the company’s unique experiences on the ground in these areas.
“Expanding our portfolio to include both FIT products facilitates a wider and more flexible range of services enabling Imperial Tours to become a closer and more relevant partner to travel agencies in supplying luxury travel to China – namely small-group departures and FIT programs of different price points, inclusive activities and tour support,” Rubin noted.
To create China Escapades and clearly define what distinguishes the two products, Imperial Tours ran test programs and captured guest feedback on the key elements of the itinerary. Regardless of the type of FIT tour, Imperial Tours has access to exclusive activities and venues as a result of the company’s extensive ‘black book’ of connections throughout China.
In terms of price, Ultimate China programs cost approximately $1,300 per person, per day, and China Escapades are priced around $800 per person, per day (prices are based on two people traveling together on an FIT vacation).
Imperial Tours – Traveling China…in Style
The leading luxury tour operator based in China, Imperial Tours offers customized private tours and scheduled escorted group departures that combine local expertise with the high levels of service and quality expected by sophisticated Western travelers. Through its portfolio of programs and themed excursions, Imperial Tours provides the ‘best of the best’ in China encompassing accommodations, dining, sightseeing, experiences and much more at unrivaled value. Founded by Westerners in 1999, Imperial Tours has offices in Beijing, San Francisco, Offenbach (Germany) and Poole (UK).
A testament to its unparalleled knowledge and experience in planning luxury customized programs to China, Imperial Tours has been awarded the distinction of a ‘top travel specialist’ by Condé Nast Traveler in 2008 and 2009 and has been named to Travel + Leisure’s ‘A’ List of Super Agents every year between 2002 and 2009. In addition to top accolades, Imperial has been privileged to bring celebrities and royalty to China including Anthony Edwards, Natalie Portman, Michael Phelps, Sara Lee, Baroness Katherine de Rothschild, Katie Couric and the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
Contact Information
For more information, please call (888) 888-1970, send an e-mail to margot@imperialtours.net or visit www.imperialtours.net. Become a fan of Imperial Tours on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/imperialtours.
Note to Editors
High-resolution digital images of Imperial Tours/China are available upon request.
Imperial Tours is expanding its portfolio with the launch of China Escapades, a new FIT product targeted to more independent and adventurous travelers seeking greater autonomy to explore China’s sights, sounds and culture. Until recently, Imperial Tours provided only small luxury tours called Ultimate China. These were fully inclusive and designed for travelers who wanted a travel experience where every aspect was taken care of for them.
“With demand for travel to China growing, our research in the luxury travel advisor community has shown that there is a need for an alternative to our current ‘hosted’ FIT product at a more accessible price point so we developed China Escapades,” says Guy Rubin, founder and managing partner of Imperial Tours.
Generally speaking, China Escapades clients seek more independence in their travels and not the extra service a China Host provides. These customers opt for direct rather than mediated contact with local Chinese suppliers to add to their overall understanding of the destination. For service and security, however, China Escapades guests have access to a western Virtual Concierge through a pre-programmed mobile phone 24/7.
For enhanced flexibility, dinners are not included in China Escapades itineraries but Imperial provides guests with restaurant recommendations and designs suggested menus. Additionally, China Escapades do not offer tours in Lhasa, Dunhuang or Huangshan.
The Ultimate China client, on the other hand, prefers that a China Host take care of all the details, such as wake-up calls, restaurant menus,shopping recommendations to non-commissionable venues, fine-tuning an itinerary in real-time, and more.
China Escapades are priced around $800 pp dbl per day. For more information, call (888) 888-1970, e-mail margot@imperialtours.net or visit imperialtours.net.
Luxury Travel Advisor attended a virtual press conference this afternoon with Imperial Tours founder, Guy Rubin, who was live from Beijing launching the company's new tour product, China Escapades.
Until recently, Imperial Tours provided only small luxury tours called Ultimate China. These were fully inclusive and designed for travelers who wanted a flawless travel experience without having to lift a finger. While the company still offers this type of experience, they found that there was no option for repeat travelers looking for price point for the current economy. Enter China Escapades.
China Escapades, launched June 24, was designed in reaction to an increasing demand in the luxury market for less "hand-holding" and more price sensitivity. Still completely luxury and dedicated to their motto, "The 'Best' is Our 'Norm,'" China Escapades is geared more toward the experienced and adventurous traveler who prefers independence. These travelers are still seeking luxury, but are price sensitive.
So what are the major differences? First and foremost, cost. China Escapades starts at $800 per person, while Ultimate China rings in at $1,300. Second, while Ultimate China provides a 24-hour traveling Concierge, guests of Escapades are equipped with a cell phone to access a Virtual Concierge. Escapades travelers are given suggested menus at top restaurants for dinner, while Ultimate China travelers have all of their meals included.
Other than that, the service will remain the same. Rubin and his wife and business partner, Nancy Kim, strive to create 'Imperial Moments,' which include introducing travelers to destinations and adding depth to experiences. Previous 'moments' have included private dinners with novelists, cooking lessons, access to design studios and, our favorite, a guided trip within the Forbidden City. Five-star accommodations (think Hotel of Modern Art Guilin, Aman at Summer Palace Beijing and Park Hyatt Shanghai), top restaurants, the best shopping, top-of-the-line cars and more are all standards of both tour options.
Until June 24 this product was available only to the Travel Advisory Council, which has been testing the product since March of this year. Currently it is available to the entire luxury travel advisor community and they are already accepting reservations for China Escapades.
http://www.luxuryta.com/home-based/china/imperial-tours-launches-new-tour-product-3487
© June 2009, Luxury Travel Advisor
Imperial Tours launched a new brand of China tour products called China Escapades, a new FIT product targeted to more independent and adventurous travelers seeking greater autonomy and lower prices. “With demand for travel to China growing, our research in the luxury travel advisor community has shown that there is a need for an alternative to our current hosted FIT product at a more accessible price point, so we developed China Escapades,” said Guy Rubin, founder and managing partner of Imperial Tours. “China Escapades affords greater flexibility to appeal to these distinct consumers who are more experienced, adventurous and often repeat travelers to China.”
With the launch of China Escapades, Imperial Tours is rebranding its existing FIT product, which will now be called Ultimate China, for clients who want a hosted luxury experience. Ultimate China programs come with a China Host, a Westerner fluent in Chinese and living in China who ensures quality and service. Imperial’s two private programs are customized to the needs of the individual traveler but the scope of services varies between the Ultimate China and China Escapades products.
China Escapades is slightly more moderate and more independent, but still a luxury product. Like Ultimate China, it will come with the best five-star hotels and room types available. But China Escapades will have virtual concierge support rather than a host who accompanies clients. While gratuities are included in Ultimate China, they are not in China Escapades. While all meals are included with Ultimate China, only breakfast and lunch are included with China Escapades. China Escapades clients seek more independence in their travels and not the extra service a China Host provides. These customers opt for direct rather than mediated contact with local Chinese suppliers to add to their overall understanding of China. For optimum service levels and the security of never being completely alone, China Escapades guests have access to a western Virtual Concierge through a pre-programmed mobile phone 24/7.
For enhanced flexibility, dinners are not included in China Escapades itineraries but Imperial provides guests with restaurant recommendations and designs suggested menus for them to enjoy in Chinese restaurants. The freedom to choose their own dinner options appeals to the whimsical spirit of this traveler. The Ultimate China client, on the other hand, prefers that a China Host take care of all the details (such as wake-up calls, restaurant menus, shopping recommendations to non-commissionable venues, fine-tuning an itinerary in real-time, and more). The China Escapades tours do not offer Lhasa, Dunhuang or Huangshan because Imperial feels a China Host is essential to implementing the company’s unique experiences on the ground in these areas.
To create China Escapades and clearly define what distinguishes the two products, Imperial Tours ran test programs and captured guest feedback on the key elements of the itinerary. Regardless of the type of FIT tour, Imperial Tours has access to exclusive activities and venues as a result of the company’s extensive ‘black book’ of connections throughout China. In terms of price, Ultimate China programs cost approximately $1,300 per person, per day, and China Escapades are priced around $800 per person, per day (prices are based on two people traveling together on an FIT vacation).
Imperial Tours offers customized private tours and scheduled escorted group departures that combine local expertise with the high levels of service and quality expected by sophisticated Western travelers. Through its portfolio of programs and themed excursions, Imperial Tours provides the “best of the best” in China encompassing accommodations, dining, sightseeing, experiences and much more at unrivaled value. Founded by Westerners in 1999, Imperial Tours has offices in Beijing, San Francisco, Offenbach (Germany) and Poole (U.K.)
http://www.travelpulse.com/Resources/Editorial.aspx?n=73465
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