Explore China!

 Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent 7/11/2011

What is on your bucket list? Would it be to parachute out of an airplane, bungee jump from a cliff, or perhaps something more practical. Have you considered taking a trip to China? The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce in coordination with Battlefield Travel, Carefree Cruise and Travel, and Citslinc International, Inc are offering an opportunity to travel to China for a 9 Day All Inclusive* trip to several major cities. The trip includes bucket list stops such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the famous Tien An Men Square, and much more. Visit major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou for an unforgettable China experience. The sights, sounds, and feel of China are waiting for you.

We hear that China is one of our largest global partners. We also hear that China is one of our largest competitors. Which is true? According to a presentation by the American Embassy during my trip this past March – China is the #1 Market for vehicles at over $110 Billion. China is #1 in internet users at 457 million. They also have 303 million mobile online service users. China consumes 40% of the world’s coal, 50% of the cement, 33% of the steel, and 43% of the iron ore. These figures illustrate why China is the world’s 2nd largest economy. China is the US’ #1 export market at $91 B. In addition, a trend that was especially interesting to me is that today 5% of population is considered “middle class”. The trend indicates that this figure will grow to 45% by 2020. Will there be in increase in consumer spending in China in the near future???

The facts and figures about China are most fascinating when you see them first hand as you travel the cities and countryside. Our economies are more closely connected than you might think. Why not see for yourself what all of the BUZZ is about? Join us on Tuesday, July 19th at 5:30 PM at Germanna for a presentation “Explore China – It is closer than you think”. I will be accompanied by Janet Driggers of Carefree Cruise and Travel as well as Cheryl Clear of Battlefield Travel to help you with questions about travel arrangements.

We will introduce you to an opportunity to go to China in April of 2012 for an amazing value. If you miss the meeting on Tuesday night, register to join us at the RAVE lunch on July 20th at Foti’s in down town Culpeper for a brief recap of the trip. We will have the owner of Citslinc International joining us on September 1st as well for another introduction to China trip Q & A. Citslinc has been offering trips to China thru hundreds of Chambers of Commerce throughout the US. The trip is open to all and we encourage anyone interested to join us for our “Explore China” meetings. For more information go to CulpeperChamber.com and call Carefree Cruise & Travel @ 540 547-4500 or Battlefield Travel @ 540 825-1393. What is on your Bucket List?