May 20, 2005

Photo offered by our client Mr. Manuel Gutierrez

Hello Mandy Wang/ Sally Si:

First, let me take a moment to let you know how much I enjoyed my China tour. Your planning and thoughtfulness truly made my trip to China a memorable treasure that I will often remember fondly. I especially want to thank your field staff for their time, hard work, dedication, expertise and kindness, which made my trip both delightful and pleasurable. I sincerely appreciate your time and attention and I am looking forward to my next vacation.

I apologize for the inconvenience I caused you by not sending my final payment by "electronic transfer" rather than by "cashier's check." I did not foresee the problem it caused for you. However, I am thankful for the opportunity it gave me to meet you personally and see how truly wonderful you and all your staff really are.

Secondly, let me assure you that a very important reason for me choosing TravelChinaGuide was, because you offer small group tours. I personally don't like to travel with large groups. And so, my first suggestion is that you maintain the small group option in your tour. I think this is a very strong selling point, which sets you apart from other tour business groups and I know many people will be willing to take advantage of your small group option. Also, I believe your field guide's finds the small groups more to their preference because, they can establish a greater, stronger customer relationship.

The following are my comments and suggestions to your listed concerns. I hope that you will find them helpful:

Concern Number 1:

My mother used to say, "when guests come, we always set our table with our best dishes." So it is with your tour company. I found your itinerary and agenda to be a well balanced program consisting of: Chinese culture, Environment, Art, Architecture, Visual arts, Performing arts Chinese cuisine and of course Chinese History, both ancient and modern. The key word is "balanced". I think the visitor, what ever their nationality, will fine your program satisfying and rewarding if "balance" is preserved.

One additional word on "time distribution". You should be vigilant against rushing the Tour to keep a time table. Many years ago I booked a tour in Spain where the guide continually rushed us to keep the timetable. I have traveled to Spain at least once a year since then but, not with that tour company. The size of the group should determine the agenda and thus the timetable. You may have to cut back on the number of sights to be visited but never rush!

For my tour group, consisting of five people, this was never a problem. We always had plenty of time at the sight and we were never rushed. This is why I prefer a small group tour.

Concern Number 2:

I believe your company's water policy was adhered to during my tour. The drivers distributed water (sometimes cold) during the day. Water shortage was never a problem in our group.

Concern Number 3:

Shopping is not very clear in my mind. You can understand that as a tourist everyone is always trying to sell something to you. I can only tell you that the guides did take us to some stores and factories. I found these to be reputable and informative about the products they sell. As to the number I am not sure. The following are the ones that I do remember: a jade factory in Beijing,

a carpet factory in Xi'an, and a pearl shop in Guilin. We went to other shops at the request of members of our group. Sorry, I don't have very much information on this subject. Personally, I did my shopping the week after the tour ended.

Concern Number 4:

Your meal arrangements were most impressive and excellent. I want to compliment you on your presentation of China's regional cuisines. If I was to recommend one meal it would be either the Peking duck in Beijing or the Dumpling banquet in Xi'an. My only regret is that I will not easily find that type of food in New Mexico. Thank you for your generosity.

Concern Number 5:

All of our guides were outstanding. They were will informed, their language skills were very good and they always performed in a professional manner. However, it would be unfair if I did not bring to your attention two individuals who's performance was beyond the expected and a credit to your company. My group and I agree that Jerry (in Beijing) and Carol (in Xi'an) demonstrated an energetic and enthusiastic ability to energize our group's interest in the subject matter. They command strong interpersonal and verbal communications skills and an ability to carry out their work obligations with vigor and resolve. They believe in giving an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. They are certainly an asset to their work group and to your company.

Concern Number 6:

All drivers performed (under severe conditions) in a safe and professional manner. Their driving experience, without question, was a credit to our safety. The drivers kept the cars clean and provided courteous service at all times. For example, our drop-off or pick-up points were also performed in a safe and courteous manner. Our personal property was always guarded and safe in their care.

Thanks again to all for a memorable tour.

Regards,

Manuel Gutierrez

May 13, 2005

Dear Jessica and Vicky,

Just wanted to thank you for your wonderful organisation of our weekend in Guilin. Everything was superbly planned, We were very impressed with our guide, William, who was very well informed and very helpful and we've all come away with some lasting memories of a very beautiful place in the world.

I'm sure we'll be in touch again soon for our next adventure.
Thank you
Leanne Roles

(Later)
I have just arrived back in Hong Kong from a four day tour to Guilin which was organised for me and four friends by your travel company. We all had an unforgettable experience and everything went very smoothly. I particularly want to comment on the dedication and professionalism of our tour guide, 'William' (I'm sorry but I do not know his Chinese name). William's hard
work and consistent attention to detail ensured us a anique and relaxing experience. His kindness and good humour was also appreciated by us all.
Please pass on my gratitude to him.

I will certainly travel in China again with your company and will recommend your services to my colleagues and friends.

Yours sincerely,

Ros Plowright