The chamber has partnered with Cistlinc International, a worldwide travel agent, to present a special rate package available to chamber members and their guests for a week in China from Oct. 1 through Oct. 9. The offer follows a successful visit to China by chamber members this past winter, when organization President Theresa Lamson took a week-long trip to Asia with several select representatives of Scotland County.
“It was an unbelievable trip,” Lamson said. “Having lived abroad and done extensive travel, I am not someone who is easily ‘wowed’ by international locales. (But) I was ‘wowed’ on this trip; the cultural and historical activities were wonderful.”
Chamber members and their guests may register for $1,899 per person, while non-members can travel for $2,099 per person. The fee includes airfare from New York to Beijing, accommodations in four or five star hotels each night, transportation, three meals per day, translators and tour guides, taxes and all fees for attractions and sites.
"There will be plenty of attractions and sites to see," Lamson said. "Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Ming Tombs, Hanshan Temple and Yu Garden are but a few."
Bus tours of Shanghai and Beijing are included, as well as admission to the 2010 World Expo.
Before leaving for China, an information session will be led by representatives from Cistlinc to answer any of the travelers’ questions about Chinese culture and customs. Additionally, Lamson and Scotland County Economic Development Director Greg Icard will share experiences from their previous trip.
Interviewed following his return from China, Icard categorized the economic superpower as both "a different place" as well as one that faces some of the same business issues as those in America.
"The Chinese people have a tremendous sense of pride in their long history and accomplishments, and that extends to their business interests as well," Icard said. "Chinese companies are beginning to outsource to countries like Vietnam or to rural areas ... wages are going up, and kids are leaving the farms and villages to attend college in the cities and are not interested in coming back. There is currently a big shortage of white collar workers, and competition for these jobs is high."
Lamson said the visit will "definitely be a memorable one."
“Even if visiting China was never on your must see list, you will not regret making the trip,” Lamson said. “Visiting the Forgotten City, the Ming Tombs, the Great Wall and staying in Beijing and Shanghai were all things I will never forget.”
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