| Tour operators are companies who offer tours and | | | | convenient, you usually end up paying. This package |
| packages all over the world. Many tour operators in | | | | is purchased when you arrive in China. Therefore, any |
| the United States are members of the United States | | | | foreign tour operators you may purchase your |
| Tour Operators Association (USTOA) is a | | | | package from are required to use Chinese |
| professional association representing the tour | | | | state-registered travel agencies to act as local |
| operator industryin the U.S. | | | | handlers. They usually quote very high rates, which |
| When traveling to a country like China, it is wise to | | | | become even higher when the tour operator adds |
| consult a tour operator to make sure that you are | | | | the middleman fee. This is because Chinese travel |
| getting the most for your money, and to discover | | | | agencies are controlled by CITS, (China International |
| the activities that most closely match your interests. | | | | Travel Service) which keeps prices high. You can |
| The tour operator will help book all accommodations | | | | check with the China National Tourism Office for a |
| and recommend popular structured escorted group | | | | list of registered Chinese agencies that can give you |
| tours with group leaders. The tour operator will | | | | information on packages tours that includes choices |
| handle everything from airfare to hotels, meals, tours, | | | | of airlines, hotels and other hidden expenses. Try to |
| admission costs, and local transportation. | | | | avoid booking with a private Chinese tour agency or |
| In China, you may choose the option of an | | | | guide online because many are not licensed. |
| unescorted package. While this may seem | | | | |