Qantas activities website

[Myrna]

We are going to be in Beijing in a few months time, and noticed that Qantas has a separate website for booking activities in Beijing (earn QF points). Thinking of one day in Beijing and one day to the Walls. Has anyone used this? Experience? Activities were reviewed and generally they were rated high.

One thing which we don't like is the "shopping stop" - eg "The day tour also includes a stop at the famous Longdi Jade Factory where you can shop for beautiful bargains." No! we don't want to waste time and money on these shopping stops as part of the tours. Should we let the tour guide know that shopping stop is a no, no? - unless it is used as a toilet stop

PS - just did a more research on this, and it seemed QF used a tour broker Viator for this service. And the shopping stops are almost obligatory!!! BA also lists similar "experiences" - I suspect both QF and BA use the same tour broker?

Some recommendations on tour operators / companies in Beijing? We will only be there for 2 days. Thanks!

 

[RooFlyer]

You may be interested in the reaction of one user of 'Qantas activities', posted in another thread here.

 

[Myrna]

You may be interested in the reaction of one user of 'Qantas activities', posted in another thread here.

Ha! That is funny.

 

[eminere]

Happy camper here. I've used the service many times to book airport transfers and day tours/activities in Auckland, Dubai and Paris and have no complaints. The fact that you earn points for the amount you spend is a happy bonus.

For what it's worth I haven't come across a shopping component of an activity package in my bookings to date, though I suspect that is more a function of your trip being to Asia and this is fairly the norm in many Asian countries.

 

[Myrna]

Happy camper here. I've used the service many times to book airport transfers and day tours/activities in Auckland, Dubai and Paris and have no complaints. The fact that you earn points for the amount you spend is a happy bonus.

For what it's worth I haven't come across a shopping component of an activity package in my bookings to date, though I suspect that is more a function of your trip being to Asia and this is fairly the norm in many Asian countries.

Thanks, eminere, for the feedback. We really want to eliminate the shopping component from these tours. There were a number of negative reviews on the website - because of the shopping. Agree with you that booking these 3rd party services via Qantas portal earns QFF points - a small bonus.

 

[Mal]

There is nothing unique about the QF / BA / rebranded Viator tours. They are just package deals run by local tour companies (and you can book the same with them direct too). Some are good, some are bad, but like any tour you need to ensure it's good for you before you book.

I wouldn't be put off by a 'unique' shopping experience etc etc, this tends to be part of the parcel of many tours, both low and high end.

 

[Mattg]

With QF Activities you're basically booking any tour sold by Viator, which in itself is fairly reputable, except you are also earning QF points. I have used them in the past and not had issues but it comes down to the tour operator they are booking you with.

Oh, and I also found the shopping a bit of an annoyance with Beijing tours (and most tours in Asia for that matter) but I think most are the same. I did a tour with two shopping stops, one at a pearl shop which was kind of annoying but one at a Chinese medicine place which was kind of a funny experience, in a good way, though I don't think they intended it to be that way.

 

[Squirrel.Monkey]

It uses Viator which is a third party company that uses other providers such as Grayline etc. it really depends on the quality of the provider. I have used in both the USA and Australia, however be warned, they usually only add positive reviews. I did 2 tours in the US, one was great and the other was atrocious. The positive review was published but the not so ngeative one was not. They (Viator) even said they'd follow it up with me, but they didn't. If you can, try and find out who the activity provider is and research them. Otherwise, it's a good way to get some cheeky points.

 

[BD1959]

If you can, try and find out who the activity provider is and research them. Otherwise, it's a good way to get some cheeky points.

Is it also a good way of spending more $$$ than if you'd booked direct with the activity provider (a la Qantas Box Office in Australia)??

Regards,

BD

 

[Squirrel.Monkey]

Prices are generally the same if not a little cheaper as they buy in bulk, like the Hotels. I have paid much less for hotels via Qantas website than direct.

 

[eminere]

Prices are generally the same if not a little cheaper as they buy in bulk, like the Hotels. I have paid much less for hotels via Qantas website than direct.

I have had the same experience. Plus you don't get the hassle of forex fees as you pay in AUD to Qantas.

 

[Myrna]

Thanks, Squirrel.Monkey and BD1959, for your thoughts. We will make enquiries to find out the providers of the activities.