May 24, 2011 Press Release:

TORONTO – Tour East Holidays has just completed another successful FAM trip, this time an exclusive for Maritime Travel agent partners from across Canada.

Agents experienced what one participant described as “a trip of a lifetime” to China.

“I really enjoyed my travels to China with Tour East Holidays. Tour East went out of there way to make our experience one that we will never forget. Thanks, Tour East, for making my trip, a trip of a lifetime,” said Raelene Parsons of LeGrows Travel of Cornerbrook, NL, after returning from China on a 9-day FAM trip led by Shirley Lew, National Business Development Manager for Tour East Holidays.

Parsons’ sentiments were echoed by others who accompanied Ms. Lew on the educational program that introduced Tour East Holidays’ travel partners to the wonderful product line it offers to remarkable China.

“We saw a lot in a short period of time and the highlight for me would have to be the Great Wall. Just amazing”, says Kim Simms of LeGrows Travel, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL.

The program also included visits to a traditional Hutong (garden home) in Beijing to see how life was lived centuries ago in the time of China’s great dynasties. The agents also explored ancient Xian’s Muslim Quarter, within the world’s best-preserved city wall. Xian has a 3,000-year history, with historical significance to the famed Terra Cotta Army of the first Chinese Emperor Qin and the origin of the first trade route between Asia and Europe. The auto-rickshaw ride back to the hotel through the narrow alleys of the ancient walled city was an experience many will not soon forget. Visits to a jade, silk and pearl factory where participants were shown how to distinguish the real from imitation versions was another highlight. The last night culminated with a trip down the Huangpu River that separates old and new Shanghai on a night cruise that showcases the great city’s colonial flair in all its glittering glory.

“Tour East Holidays is pleased to offer such tours to China for our Canadian Agents so they can experience all the thrills our outstanding products offer their valued clients.” said Ms. Lew. “

Agents also got to feel what it was like to experience the Maglev (Magnetic Levitation) train that travels 30 kms in just 7 minutes and 20 seconds; hitting a  top speed of 431 kms/h from Pudong to Shanghai Airport.

“This was a little surprise we kept until the end,” Ms. Lew added.

Tour East is making discovering China fun for agents and their clients.

Here’s some other comments participating agents offered about the trip:

“It was a fantastic trip. The biggest highlight for me was the Great Wall. The history behind it is amazing. Oh, and the Fairmont Beijing was one of my all time FAVORITE hotels, love, love loved it.”
Juanita Martin, Maritime Travel, Halifax Shopping Centre, Halifax, NS

“I liked everything about the tour. There was nothing I would have eliminated. Just wished we had more time.
Susan Dedembilis, Maritime Travel, First Canadian Place, Toronto, ON

“The Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors exceeded my expectations, but for me the highlights involved more of the local flair, seeing how the people live, the Muslim Quarter at night, the tuk tuk rides in Xian and the visit to the Hutong in Beijing were very memorable. Thanks!
Lynn Piercey, LeGrows Travel , Atlantic Place, St John’s, NL

“It was the Terracotta Warriors in Xian that did it for me. Being face-to-face with a warrior that was made 2,000 years ago was my "wow" moment. And of course, I will never forget being on those tuk-tuk's. Thank-you for a memorable week.”
Jill Sheppard, CTC LeGrow's Travel - Avalon Mall, St. John's, NL