News, China Travel, China Tours, China Vacations, Affordable China Tours, Asia Travel,

Kowloon Hotel in Hong Kong Under Refurbishment

07/19/2010

To better serve clients, the Kowloon Hotel Hong Kong will be under refurbishment with the following schedule:

Stage 1: July-August 2010 the main lobby
Stage 2: November 2010-January 2011 other parts of the hotel

During the refurbishment period, the hotel will continue to operate as usual with uninterrupted services and will make every effort to minimize any disturbances to the guests.

China Entry Visa Price Change

06/11/2010

We have received notification that the Chinese Embassy has increased their entry visa prices by $10. Therefore, we must increase our visa fee from $160 to $170 per person, effective immediately.

This new pricing will NOT affect existing visa processing purchases and we will honor the $160 per person price to clients who currently have purchased but have not yet processed their China entry visa through Ritz Tours.

Cathay Pacific Fuel Surcharge increase

05/27/2010

We have just received notification from Cathay Pacific that effective 06/01/2010, there will be an increase in their fuel surcharge assessment. Please find below the new assessments and resultant new price of the tour package.

Please note that if you have already booked with us and your tickets have not yet been issued, you must pay in full so that your tickets can be issued to avoid the fuel surcharge.

Tour Series	Brochure-Listed Surcharge	New Surcharge
RPH	$144	$185
RPD	$152	$193
RPE	$166	$213
RPS	$162	$213
RAA	$166	$207
RAI	$200	$269
RAM	$167	$209
RAB	$133	$177
RAF	$215	$257
RBC & RBP	$167	$209
RVU	$140	$181
RBA	$122	$163
Bangkok in a week	$122	$163
Hong Kong in a week	$100	$135

Cathay Pacific Fuel Surcharge increase

04/29/2010

We have just received notification from Cathay Pacific that effective 05/01/2010, there will be an increase in their fuel surcharge assessment. Please find below the new assessments and resultant new price of the tour package.

Please note that if you have already booked with us and your tickets have not yet been issued, you must pay in full so that your tickets can be issued to avoid the fuel surcharge.

Tour Series	Brochure-Listed Surcharge	New Surcharge
RPH	$144	$157
RPD	$152	$165
RPE	$166	$181
RPS	$162	$178
RAA	$166	$179
RAI	$200	$223
RAM	$167	$181
RAB	$133	$147
RAF	$215	$229
RBC & RBP	$167	$181
RVU	$140	$153
RBA	$122	$135
Bangkok in a week	$122	$135
Hong Kong in a week	$100	$115

Air China Fuel Surcharge increase

04/22/2010

We have received notification from Air China that effective 05/04/2010, there will be an increase in their fuel surcharge assessment. Please find below the new assessments and resultant new price of the tour package.

Please note that if you have already booked with us and your tickets have not yet been issued, you must pay in full so that your tickets can be issued to avoid the fuel surcharge.

Tour Series	Brochure-Listed Surcharge	New Surcharge
RDX	$223	$243
RDV	$230	$250
RDZ	$230	$250
RDW	$230	$250
RDR	$237	$257
RDT	$237	$257
RDS	$215	$235
RDD	$223	$243
RVD	$230	$250
RVW	$230	$250
RVR	$237	$257

Europe Flight Disruptions Due to Volcano Ash Cloud

04/19/2010

Dear Valued Clients:

Due to the recent volcano eruption in Iceland, some airlines are experiencing flight difficulties.

Ritz Tours that May Be Affected
Italy Essence 10 Days (Tour Code: REI0422)

For the most up-to-date information, we urge you to contact the airline, your authorized travel agent, or Ritz Tours. For your convenience, we have posted links to the airlines below:

www.aa.com
www.united.com
www.delta.com
www.contintental.com
www.usairways.com

If you are booked on the above tours and the airline has canceled your flight, you will receive a 100% refund (air ticket + land arrangements)

If you are booked on the above tours and decide to cancel your tour before the airline has canceled your flight, please be advised that the airline MAY charge you a cancellation penalty for the ticket. However, you will receive a full refund for the land arrangements from Ritz Tours.

Note Regarding Luggage Transport on our Tour

03/18/2010

On our tours, for most cities, your baggage will be transported in your motorcoach to and from the hotel and airport. However, in some cities a separate vehicle may be used to transport your baggage.

Cathay Pacific Fuel Surcharge increase

02/23/2010

We have received notification from Cathay Pacific that effective 03/01/2010, there will be an increase in their fuel surcharge assessment. Please find below the new assessments and resultant new price of the tour package.

Please note that if you have already booked with us and your tickets have not yet been issued, you must pay in full so that your tickets can be issued to avoid the fuel surcharge.

Tour Series	Brochure-Listed Surcharge	New Surcharge
RPH	$103	$144
RPD	$103	$152
RPE	$121	$166
RPS	$131	$162
RAA	$140	$166
RAI	$168	$200
RAM	$148	$167
RAB	$113	$133
RAF	$192	$215
RBC	$148	$167
RBP	$148	$167
RVU	$136	$140
Bangkok in a week	N/A	$131
Hong Kong in a week	N/A	$100

Last Week of Early Booking Discount Savings

02/22/2010

This is your last chance to save on our Early Booking Discount:
$500 per couple on our Premiere Series
$300 per couple on our Deluxe Series
$150 per couple on our Asia Series
$200 per couple on our Europe Series

You must book 60 days in advance and place your deposit by 2/28/10

Our New York office has moved to the following location:

02/03/2010

820 Second Ave., Unit 6B New York, NY 10017

If you experience difficulties contacting the office via telephone during the week of 2/1-2/5, please call our headquarters at:
626-289-7777 between 8am-6pm PST M-F.

Attend the World Exposition 2010 in Shanghai

02/03/2010

Don’t miss the opportunity to combine your tour to China with the World Expo 2010, taking place in Shanghai from 5/1/10 to 10/31/10. Clients who spend a minimum of three nights in Shanghai shall enjoy complimentary one-day tickets to the exposition including guided assistance to board the subway to the expo center.

If the tour program you choose includes just two nights in Shanghai, simply add an additional extension night and qualify for the free tickets

TSA Secure Flight Program

01/06/2010

Secure Flight is a behind the scenes program that enhances the security of domestic and international commercial air travel through the use of improved watch list matching. By collecting additional passenger data, it will improve the travel experience for all airline passengers, including those who have been misidentified in the past.

When passengers travel, they will be required to provide the following Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD) to their airline when making a reservation:

• Name as it appears on government-issued I.D. when traveling
• Date of Birth
• Gender

The airline will transmit this information to Secure Flight, who uses it to perform watch list matching. This serves to prevent individuals on the No Fly List from boarding an aircraft and to identify individuals on the Selectee List for enhanced screening. After matching passenger information against government watch lists, Secure Flight transmits the matching results back to airlines.

For more detailed information, please visit: http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight/index.shtm

Cathay Pacific Fuel Surcharge increase

12/21/2009

We have received notification from Cathay Pacific that effective 01/01/2010, there will be an increase in their fuel surcharge assessment. Please find below the new assessments and resultant new price of the tour package.

Please note that if you have already booked with us and your tickets have not yet been issued, you must pay in full so that your tickets can be issued to avoid the fuel surcharge.

Tour Series	Brochure-Listed Surcharge	New Surcharge
RPH	$103	$135
RPD	$103	$143
RPE	$121	$155
RPS	$131	$151
RAA	$140	$155
RAI	$168	$186
RAM	$148	$158
RAB	$113	$124
RAF	$192	$203
RBC	$148	$158
RBC	$148	$158
AEAK	N/A	$122

Second Stage of Early Booking Discount in Effect

12/18/2009

We are offering an Early Booking Discount that applies to all Asia and Europe brochure tour packages. To qualify for the discount, you must book and deposit before 2/28/10. The discount amount are as follows:

Tour Code	Tour Name	Discount / Person
CHINA & ASIA PREMIERE SERIES
RPH	Majestic China Panorama 14 Days 12 Nights	$250
RPD	Majestic China & Yangtze River 18 Days 16 Nights	$250
RPE	Majestic Yangtze River & Bangkok 18 Days 16 Nights	$250
RPS	Majestic China & Asia 15 Days 13 Nights	$250
CHINA DELUXE SERIES
RDX	China Discovery 10 Days 8 Nights	$150
RDV	Yangtze Essence 12 Days 10 Nights	$150
RDW	China Scenic 12 Days 10 Nights	$150
RDR	Golden Yangtze Discovery 15 Days 13 Nights	$150
RDT	Tibet Highland & Yangtze River 16 Days 14 Nights	$150
RDS	Silk Road Splendors 12 Days 10 Nights	$150
RDD	Glories of the Yangtze 16 Days 14 Nights	$150
ASIA SERIES
RAM	Tantalizing Thailand 15 Days 12 Nights	$75
RAF	Thailand & Angkor 14 Days 11 Nights	$75
RAB	Exotic Asia 13 Days 10 Nights	$75
RAA	Indochina Excursion 14 Days 11 Nights	$75
RAI	Essence of India 13 Days 10 Nights	$75
RBC	Bangkok & Chiang Mai 9 Days 6 Nights	$75
RBP	Bangkok & Phuket 9 Days 6 Nights	$75
EUROPE SERIES
REF	Europe Delight 12 Days 10 Nights	$100
REI	Italy Essence 10 Days 8 Nights	$100
RUK	Great Britain Vacation 10 Days 8 Nights	$100

Cathay Pacific Fuel Surcharge increase

12/01/2009

We have received notification from Cathay Pacific that effective 12/01/2009, there will be an increase in their fuel surcharge assessment. Please find below the new assessments and resultant new price of the tour package.

Please note that if you have already booked with us and your tickets have not yet been issued, you must pay in full so that your tickets can be issued to avoid the fuel surcharge.

Tour Series	Brochure-Listed Surcharge	New Surcharge
RPH	$103	$131
RPD	$103	$138
RPE	$121	$150
RPS	$131	$146
RAA	$140	$151
RAI	$168	$179
RAM	$148	$154
RAB	$113	$120
RAF	$192	$198
RBC	$148	$154
RBP	$148	$154

Air China Fuel Surcharge increase

11/13/2009

We have received notification from Air China that effective 11/15/2009, there will be an increase in their fuel surcharge assessment. Please find below the new assessments and resultant new price of the tour package.

Please note that if you have already booked with us and your tickets have not yet been issued, you must pay in full so that your tickets can be issued to avoid the fuel surcharge.

Tour Series	Brochure-Listed Surcharge	New Surcharge
RPH	$103	$125
RPD	$103	$132
RPE	$121	$143
RPS	$131	$139
RDX	$180	$223
RDV	$180	$230
RDZ	$180	$230
RDW	$180	$230
RDR	$180	$237
RDT	$180	$237
RDS	$180	$215
RDD	$180	$223
RVD	$180	$230
RVW	$180	$230
RVR	$180	$237
RVU	$103	$125
CESX	$180	$222
AEBK	$180	$200

Enjoy a Cabin Upgrade on Victoria Cruises! !

10/16/2009

In lieu of the $200 per person Early Booking Discount on the Deluxe Series Package Tours to the Yangtze River, you can take an upgrade on the Victoria Cruises cabin to an Executive/Junior Suite. Suites are approximately 40-50% larger than Standard Cabins.

This offer applies to the following tours:

Yangtze Essence 12 Days (RDV) - Junior Suite

Golden Yangtze Discovery 15 Days (RDW) - Executive Suite

Scenic Yangtze Discovery 16 Days (RDR) - Executive Suite

Tibet Highland & Yangtze River 16 Days (RDT) - Junior Suite

Glories of the Yangtze 16 Days (RDD) - Junior Suite

This is a $300 per person value ($1100 per person value on tour RDD) and is available only through December 18, 2009. Suites are limited and is based on a first-come, first-served availability basis. Don't miss out on this great opportunity!

Ritz Tours is Happy to Introduce Affordable Asia !

10/06/2009

We are proud to present the newest member of the Ritz Tours family: Affordable Asia.

Affordable Asia provides the ultimate value in tour packages to China. Itineraries are designed especially for the price-conscious, budget-minded traveler.

Visit www.affordableasia.com for more information and to make your reservation! Check back often as many more itineraries will be offered.

Value Added Items with All 2010 Asia Brochure

08/26/2009

Ritz Tours has always put our tour packages together with many inclusions and 2009 will be no different. Aside from the various day tours and excursions that are already included in each of our 2009 Asia Tour Packages, we are adding additional bonus gift items, at no cost to you, to express our appreciation for choosing us as your Asia destination tour operator.

Note that, if deemed necessary by Ritz Tours, value added items are subject to change at any time throughout the year without prior notice.

Tour Series	Location	Value Added Items
Premiere Series *Where applicable	Beijing	Jade seal with Client's name
	Xian*	Picture with Terra Cotta soldier
	Shanghai	Spa Rosa ( 90 minute visit)
	Bangkok*	Wood carved elephant

Deluxe Series *Where applicable	Beijing	Jade seal with client's name
Deluxe Series *Where applicable	Shanghai*	Silk tie/scarf OR Ritz Tours bag

Asia Series *Where applicable	Bangkok*	Wood carved elephant

2010 Tour Packages Available Now !

08/14/2009

Early booking discount up to $600 per couple.
Book & deposit by 12/18/2009

To view our tour packages, click here:
http://www.ritztours.com/tourPackage/asiatours_2010/Default_2010.aspx

City Package Upgrade to Privately Guided Tours

05/18/2009

Our city packages are perfect for those who are creating a customized travel itinerary and the sightseeing portion of our city packages are usually locally hosted and based on seat-in-coach. However, for our Xian and Shanghai city packages, we would like you to enjoy an upgrade to privately guided sightseeing tours free of charge, a value of $50 per person! Ritz Tours appreciates your business and we always strive to provide you with

The Best Quality Tours at the Most Affordable Prices. To view our city packages, click here: http://www.ritztours.com/tourPackage/citytours/CityTours_2009.html

Supplemental Form for China Entry Visa

05/05/2009

To obtain a China entry visa, the consulate now requires, in addition to the China Visa Application Form, the submission of the China Visa Declaration Form. Both forms can be downloaded from our website http://www.ritztours.com/tourPackage/forms.aspx.

If Ritz Tours is obtaining your entry visa on your behalf, please follow the instructions on the Forms page carefully.

10% Discount Off of City Packages

04/29/2009

Many of our clients want to make a customized package for themselves and we know how expensive customization becomes. That is why we have reduced our City Packages by 10% from our brochure listed prices.

The prices that you see on our website (http://www.ritztours.com/tourPackage/citytours/CityTours_2009.html) are already adjusted to include the discount so you know that you are getting the best deal with Ritz Tours! Call us at 888-345-7489 to make your reservation now!

Air Fuel Surcharge decrease

04/01/2009

We have received notification from various airline companies that effective 04/01/2009, there will be a decrease in their fuel surcharge assessment. Please find below the new assessments and resultant new price of the tour package.

Please note that if you have already booked with us and your tickets have not yet been issued, we will automatically update your invoice with the new fuel surcharge.

Tour Series	Brochure-Listed Surcharge	New Surcharge
CEAH	$304	$84
CEAD	$327	$84
CEAE	$347	$101
CEAU	$407	$180
CEAX	$384	$180
CEAV	$407	$180
CEAZ	$407	$180
CEAW	$407	$180
CEAR	$430	$180
CEAT	$453	$180
CEATS	$431	$180
CEDY	$407	$180
CEUY	$361	$180
CEAS	$382	$180
CEAK	$304	$84
CEAK	$304	$97
AEBC	$291	$110
AEAM	$291	$110
AEAF	$366	$164
AEAB	$313	$116
AEAA	$302	$163
AEAI	$454	$159
AEBP	$235	$84
AEBH	$291	$110
AEBT	$291	$110
AEBK	$235	$84

14th Annual LA Times Festival of Books Event Sponsor

03/18/2009

Ritz Tours is proud to announce that we are a sponsor of the 14th Annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the country's largest literary event. Held at the UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) campus on April 25 (10am-6pm) and April 26 (10am-5pm), this free outdoor function is where authors, fans, publishers, musicians, and celebrities come together to celebrate their love for the written word.

If you are in the area, drop by booth #144 to say hello, ask us questions, and pick up brochures.

We're looking forward to participating in this wonderful community event!

WAVE Award

Value Added Items Included with All Our 2009 Tour Packages

02/25/2009

Note that, if deemed necessary by Ritz Tours, value added items are subject to change at any time throughout the year without prior notice.

Tour Series	Location	Value Added Items	Total Packaged Value
CEAH / CEAD	Beijing	Kung Fu show with r/t transfers Jade seal with Client's name	$300
	Xian	Picture with Terra Cotta soldier
	Guilin	Cormorant fishing viewing
	Shanghai	Silk tie/scarf Spa Rosa ( 90 minute visit)

CEAU / CEAE	Beijing	Kung Fu show with r/t transfers Jade seal with client's name	$300
	Xian	Picture with Terra Cotta soldier
	Shanghai	Silk tie/scarf Spa Rosa ( 90 minute visit ) World Financial Center Observatory visit

Deluxe Series * except CEAS & CEAK	Beijing	Jade seal with client's name	$200
	Xian	Picture with Terra Cotta soldier
	Shanghai	Silk tie/scarf Spa Rosa ( 90 minute visit )

CEAS	Beijing	Kung Fu show with r/t transfers Jade seal with client's name	$100

CEAK	Guilin	Cormorant fishing viewing	$100
	Lijiang	Impression of Lijiang (show )
	Hong Kong	Heritage Tour

Asia Series * including AEBC AEBP AEBH AEBT AEBK	Bangkok	Chao Phraya River dinner cruise Silk tie/scarf Wood carved elephant Welcome orchid lei with picture	$120

Ritz Tours nominated for Best Tour Operator - Asia Award

02/18/2009

Ritz Tours is proud to announce that we have been chosen for TravelAge West's 2009 Editor's Pick "Best Tour Operator - Asia" WAVE (Western Agents’ Voice of Excellence) Award This is the third year in a row that we have had the honor of receiving this distinction.

We strive to provide our customers with the quality tours they deserve. All of our tours are crafted so that each travel program incorporates luxurious accommodations, exceptional sightseeing, superior English-speaking tour guides, flavorful cuisine, and exciting entertainment. On top of this, we offer travel insurance at no extra cost to you! There are no hidden charges and you are always protected for $1 million by USTOA.

The WAVE Award provides travel agents the opportunity to recognize the qualities of their travel suppliers. It is wonderful to receive this acknowledgement from our partner agents and look forward to working together with them to keep providing great service.

For more information, please visit TravelAge West at http://www.travelagewest.com/article_ektid30890.aspx?terms=wave

WAVE Award

Cathay Pacific Fuel Surcharge Decrease

02/04/2009

We have received notification from Cathay Pacific that effective immediately, there will be a decrease in their fuel surcharge assessment. Please find below the new assessments.

Please note that if you have already booked with us, we will automatically update your invoice with the new fuel surcharge.

Tour Series	Brochure-Listed Surcharge	New Surcharge
CEAH	$304	$97
CEAD	$327	$97
CEAE	$347	$116
CEAK	$304	$97
AEAA	$302	$176
AEAI	$454	$177
AEAM	$291	$123
AEAB	$313	$131
AEBC	$291	$123
AEBT	$291	$123
AEBP	$235	$97
AEKK	$164	$97
AEBH	$291	$123
AEBK	$235	$97
AEAF	$366	$177

Air Fuel Surcharge decrease

01/26/2009

We have received notification from Air China that effective 01/26/2009, there has been a decrease in their fuel surcharge assessment. Please find below the new assessments and resultant new price of the tour package.

Tour Series	Brochure-Listed Surcharge	New Surcharge
CEAH	$304	$165
CEAD	$327	$165
CEAE	$347	$196
CEAU	$407	$286
CEAX	$384	$286
CEAZ	$407	$286
CEAV	$407	$286
CEAW	$407	$286
CEAR	$430	$286
CEDY	$407	$286
CEUY	$361	$286
CEAT	$453	$286
CEATS	$431	$286
CEAS	$382	$286
CEAK	$304	$165

Air Fuel Surcharge decrease

01/06/2009

We have received notification from various airline companies that effective 01/05/2009, there will be a decrease in their fuel surcharge assessment. Please find below the new assessments and resultant new price of the tour package.

Tour Series	New Surcharge
CEAH	$181
CEAD	$188
CEAE	$214
CEAU	$304
CEAX	$298
CEAZ	$304
CEAV	$304
CEAW	$304
CEAR	$310
CEDY	$304
CEUY	$292
CEAT	$315
CEATS	$310
CEAS	$298
CEAK	$182
AEAA	$244
AEAI	$267
AEAM	$191
AEAB	$205

Second Stage Early Booking Discount

12/16/2008

From 12/16/08 to 2/28/09, the second stage of the Early Booking Discount begins. Book early and don’t miss this opportunity to receive a discount off of one of our many exciting tours to Asia!

Premiere	Discount Price ( / Person)
CEAH	$150
CEAD	$150
CEAE	$150
CEAU	$150
Premiere	Discount Price ( / Person)
CEAX	$100
CEAV	$100
CEAZ	$100
CEAW	$100
CEAR	$100
CEAT	$ 150
CEDY	$ 125
CEUY	$ 125
CEAS	$ 150
CEAK	$ 75
Premiere	Discount Price ( / Person)
AEBC	$ 0
AEAM	$ 50
AEAF	$ 75
AEAB	$ 75
AEAA	$ 75
AEAI	$100

Cathay Pacific Fuel Surcharge Decrease

12/12/2008

We have received notification from Cathay Pacific that effective 12/02/2008, there will be an decrease in their fuel surcharge assessment. Please find below the new assessments and resultant new price of the tour package.

Tour Series	Previous Surcharge	Decrease	New Surcharge
OAH/CEAH	$341	$ 108	$233
OAD/OAO/CEAD	$364	$ 116	$248
OAE/CEAE	$396	$ 131	$265
OAK/CEAK	$341	$ 108	$233
OAA/AEAA	$360	$ 108	$252
OAI/AEAI	$487	$ 140	$347
OAM/AEAM	$324	$ 108	$216
OAB/AEAB	$349	$ 119	$230
AEBC	$ 324	$ 108	$ 216
AEBT	$ 324	$ 108	$ 216
AEBP	$ 272	$ 108	$ 164
AEBK	$ 272	$ 108	$ 164
AEBH	$ 324	$ 108	$216
AEAF	$418	$ 108	$310

Air China Fuel Surcharge decrease

10/28/2008

We have received notification from Air China that effective 10/27/2008, there has been a decrease in their fuel surcharge assessment. Please find below the new assessments and resultant new price of the tour package.

Tour Series	New Surcharge
CEAU	$361
CEAX	$338
CEAZ	$361
CEAV	$361
CEAW	$361
CEAR	$384
CEDY	$361
CEUY	$315
CEAT	$407
CEATS	$ 385
CEAS	$336

Cathay Pacific Fuel Surcharge Decrease

10/02/2008

We have received notification from Cathay Pacific that effective 10/02/2008, there will be an decrease in their fuel surcharge assessment. Please find below the new assessments and resultant new price of the tour package.

Tour Series	Previous Surcharge	Decrease	New Surcharge
OAH/CEAH	$374	$ 33	$341
OAD/OAO/CEAD	$397	$ 33	$364
OAE/CEAE	$433	$ 37	$396
OAK/CEAK	$374	$ 33	$341
OAA/AEAA	$373	$ 13	$360
OAI/AEAI	$545	$ 33	$487
OAM/AEAM	$362	$ 38	$324
OAB/AEAB	$392	$ 43	$349
OBC	$362	$ 38	$324
AEBC	$ 362	$ 38	$ 324
AEBT	$ 362	$ 38	$ 324
AEBP	$ 305	$ 33	$ 272
AEBK	$ 305	$ 33	$ 272
AEBH	$ 362	$ 38	$324
AEAF	$436	$ 18	$418

2008 Olympic Sites

09/02/2008

When officially allowed by the PRC government, Ritz Tours 2009 Tour package series will include visits to these 2008 Summer Olympic venues: BIRD'S NEST and WATER CUBE


2008 Beijing Olympic Bird's Nest	2008 Beijing Olympic Water Cube

Prices inclusive of fuel and government fees

08/18/2008

Our 2009 tour series pricing include fuel surcharges, government taxes and fees so you do not have to worry about the extra charges you may have to pay. Click on the pricing tab for each of our tour series to see a breakdown of each of these charges.