For the last seven years, Jeff Ruffolo has been a senior advisor
with China Southern Airlines, the largest carrier in the People’s
Republic of China. His contacts in China are wide-ranging, from
government officials to tour operators to business leaders, and his
expert advice is often sought by American companies planning to do
business in China.
Q:What’s the single most important thing U.S. travel agents
should know about booking travel in China?
A:I think they should be very comfortable knowing how their
clients will be treated on the other end. When you send a client
8,000 miles away to a strange country you want to know that they
will be well taken care of that they will be picked up on time and
be comfortable. Follow-up on the Chinese side is impeccable.
Q: What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in tourism there?
A:The infrastructure. Five years ago when I visited Xian, the
road from the airport wasn’t even paved and there were no
streetlights. Now there’s a four-lane highway leading into the
city. Same in Guangzhou. They built a superhighway out to the new
$3 billion Baiyun International Airport even before they turned the
first shovel of dirt.
Q:Is bird flu a problem? A lot of people are worried about
it.
A:There’s an awful lot of media hype about it. But, trust me, no
one will take your client anywhere near a farm or livestock where
bird flu might be prevalent. The Chinese are not going to let
anything bad happen to tourists. They see your client as someone
who is creating jobs by visiting their country.
Q: How about getting around the language barrier in China?
A:If the tour operator hasn’t already done so, you should have
your clients arrange for an English-speaking guide through the
hotel. The concierge will do it, and they all speak English. And
for shopping, most hotels will arrange for a hotel car to go along
with the guide. There’s an added advantage to this: Your guide can
call ahead and arrange for lunch at a good, local restaurant. But
always invite your guide and the driver to eat with you. It’s a
sign of respect. And that’s very important in China.
