"Many hidden costs, not good value"

China tour November.
Whilst we enjoyed most of the tour, which is well organised and run, we were very unhappy with the 'hidden' costs.
Tipping is not a standard practice in the China. In fact people go out of their way to refuse tips. Whilst it was mentioned in the brochure, the amount in reality was significant enough that it should have been included in the overall cost at booking, in addition to the entrance fees which also have to be paid in cash upon arrival. The entrance fees should be included in the overall cost. It spoilt the holiday because the pressure to pay the tipping kitty was immense.

It also quickly became apparent that this kitty was not used for tipping people as detailed in the trip notes; it was only used to tip their own staff, for example, the drivers and local guides to supplement their wages. As such, I feel that the overall cost should include both the entrance fees, and also the additional cost from the tipping kitty as these are part of the wages for the staff. On that basis you misrepresented the cost of the holiday as they were not insignificant sums