NEW YORK, (May 27, 2011) – Following the success of last year’s launch of their One Trip, Taiwan and Shanghai program, EVA Air and the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration (SMTA) are working with tour operators and travel agents to attract more travelers from North America.  The Taiwan-based airline and SMTA hosted an informational tour for travel industry professionals at the Grand Hyatt New York on May 27, 2011.

EVA Executive Vice President Douglas Li welcomed the group with an overview of the airline’s itineraries for Taiwan and Shanghai and discussed the potential of the growing travel market.  SMTA Vice-Chairman Mei-Hong Cheng introduced attractions, events, activities and resources available in the Shanghai and Yangtze River Delta region.  Expanding on her presentation, leading Shanghai tour operators presented options North American travel agents and tour operators can choose to package in their travel products.

“The success of the Shanghai World Expo elevated our tourism industry,” Ms. Cheng said.  “More than 8.5 million overseas visitors came to our city in 2010.  Shanghai is attractive to business and leisure travelers alike.  It is an international business and financial center and it has proven to be an internationally favorite tourism destination.  This is the perfect time for travelers to explore and experience Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta.”

After EVA began direct flights from Taiwan to Mainland China in 2009, the airline and SMTA teamed up as strategic marketing partners to promote travel to Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta.  Last year, EVA flew 15,000 passengers from North America to Taiwan and Mainland China and 70 percent of these travelers visited the Yangtze River Delta.  The airline and SMTA aim to attract 20,000 visitors from North America this year.

“EVA has 45 flights a week from North America to Taiwan, enabling our passengers to connect onward to Shanghai and three more cities in the Yangtze River Delta region,” Li said.  “With our direct flights, travelers save time and money as they discover all that Taiwan and Mainland China have to offer.  Combining Taiwan and Shanghai in one trip is an exciting new travel trend.”

From its North American gateways in San Francisco, Toronto, Newark/New York, Los Angeles, Seattle and Vancouver, EVA offers more flights to Taiwan with more easy, one-stop connections onward to Mainland China and throughout Asia than any other airline.  The other three cities it serves in the Yangtze River Delta region are Hangzhou, Nanjing and Ningbo, all a high-speed train ride or short flight away from Shanghai.  Information about EVA and its services is available at www.evaair.com .

EVA and the SMTA are working hand-in-hand with tour operators throughout North America to develop a selection of attractive packages for budget, luxury, family, individual and group travel that will appeal to a variety of interests and showcase One Trip, Taiwan and Shanghai.  Among those offering the new tour products are Aberdeen Tours, Charming Holidays, Gogo Worldwide Traveler, Majestic Vacations and SITA World Tours in the United States, and Canada Goway Tours, Jade Tours and Royal Scenic in Canada.  Package prices start from US $1,099 for a 9-day tour and the products are available now.  Packages have different themes such as fashion, food, gardens, history and more, all designed to appeal to travelers’ varied interests.

Shanghai is a blend of influences, merging ancient cultures and modern attractions in an open cityscape of historic buildings and world-class architecture.  Art, fashion, food and tradition come together in a charming shoppers’ paradise with state-of-the-art transportation, tree-lined streets, relaxing gardens and friendly people.  Officially designated the Year of Chinese Cultural Travel, 2011 creates an ideal time for introducing North American visitors to Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta.  Visitors can discover the peaceful Huangpu River, elegant tea ceremonies, quiet old town districts and energetic city scenes with gourmet restaurants and designer stores.  They can also visit magnificent classic gardens in Jiangsu Province and be awed by the breathtaking landscapes in Zhejiang Province.

Taiwan provides an attractive mix of travel experiences as well, including its magnificent collection of art and treasures at the National Palace Museum, the spellbinding Taroko Gorge and beautifully romantic Sun Moon Lake.  Modern cities, high-speed rail, friendly people and a reputation for having the best food in Asia make Taiwan a welcomed addition to travel itineraries.

More about EVA Air and its services is conveniently located at www.evaair.com .  Shanghai tourism information is available at www.meet-in-shanghai.net