Current location:Culture Corridor news portal > style
Chinese tourists' return greeted by destinations
Culture Corridor news portal2024-05-21 21:23:28【style】2People have gathered around
IntroductionTour industry experts say people want new experiences in post-COVID travelThe COVID-19 pandemic brou
Tour industry experts say people want new experiences in post-COVID travel
The COVID-19 pandemic brought international travel to a standstill for two years. However, as borders reopened in 2023, the Chinese outbound travel market started recovering. Notably, industry experts observed significant shifts in the preferences and habits of Chinese travelers, compared to the pre-pandemic era.
During a panel discussion at the World Travel Market event at London Excel last week, Adam Wu, CEO of the London-based Chinese Business Network Travel, said: "Foreign independent travelers, small group, and family holidays have taken precedence over large group travel, with hidden-gem or new destinations gaining popularity."
Wu also highlighted that the younger generation, including post-90s and Millennials, is now a driving force for outbound tourism, with self-drive holidays becoming a significant trend.
Wu pointed out that the demand has been rebounding steadily. According to the China Tourism Academy, the research arm of China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, overseas destinations received a total of 40.37 million visitors from the Chinese mainland during the first half of 2023.
Data from the National Civil Aviation Administration of China revealed that passenger traffic volume on international routes during the first half of the year recovered to 23 percent of the total from the same period in 2019, with international passenger traffic volume in June recovering to 41.6 percent, compared to the same period in 2019.
Khalid Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority in United Arab Emirates, who was one of the panelists, emphasized how Chinese tourists' demands and interests have evolved.
"People now seek more authentic, local, and unique experiences, like ecotourism, adventure activities, and exploring lesser-known areas, rather than just visiting top attractions. They want to create their own content and memories," he said.
Sharjah, as a cultural hub of the Arab world awarded UNESCO status in 1998, attracts Chinese tourists who are interested in Arabian culture and heritage, setting it apart from the neighboring Emirates that are known more for their skyscrapers, Al Midfa said.
He also highlighted the significant growth and evolution of the Chinese outbound travel market.
"More Chinese now speak English, know what they want from travel, and are comfortable traveling independently, rather than always in groups. This independent segment is important for destinations to target," he said.
Another panellist, Lin Yiman, senior product manager at the British Museum, noted changes in the demographics of Chinese outbound travelers and the way in which they seek information.
"They now rely on multiple platforms like Redbook, or Xiaohongshu in Chinese, to find recommendations for restaurants and activities, rather than just visiting a website for what to do," she said.
Also, peer recommendations hold more weight, according to Lin.
"One of the things that we've done quite successfully is to work with key opinion leaders across different areas. They share their experiences of the museum with their followers, promoting ongoing virtual connections," she said.
In 2019, Chinese nationals made 155 million overseas visits and spent $255 billion, which is almost twice that of the total spent by visitors from the United States, three times the total spent by Germans, and almost four times the total spent by British tourists, according to data from the China Tourism Academy and the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
A newly launched report by the World Travel and Tourism Council shows travelers from the Chinese mainland spent more on shopping than individuals from other markets, spending an average of $1,350 per person.
David Goodger, managing director for Europe and the Middle East at Tourism Economics, said Chinese travelers remain an important part of the global travel recovery, and that growth from China will be widely welcomed.
"Many destinations and businesses are looking to China as the next large growth market for the coming years," he said. "They are increasingly looking at driving higher visitor value, rather than just footfall growth. Chinese visitors typically spend more per visit than those from many other markets and will be crucial for continued destination performance."
Looking ahead, Goodger said restoring connectivity is the crucial first step in driving growth from China, with air links and easy visa access both crucial.
While some return to traditional tour group activity can be expected, Goodger believes independent travel will take a growing share of travel volumes, with travelers seeking experiences beyond top spots in more diverse locations.
He expects Chinese outbound spending will fully recover to 2019 levels in 2024.
"However, this includes some increase in average spend per trip and we do not expect Chinese outbound trip volumes to regain 2019 levels until 2025," he added.
Address of this article:http://puertorico.unhasdecoradas.org/html-48c999899.html
Very good!(3)
Related articles
- Jessica Biel CHOPS her long locks into a bob after book signing in Studio City
- Netanyahu says Hamas No. 4 killed
- 12 students and teacher killed at Columbine to be remembered at 25th anniversary vigil
- Police warn King Charles that his planned 2,000
- Strictly star Giovanni Pernice's former partner Rose Ayling
- Old mill where nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty is said to have originated could be yours for £650,000
- Chinese navy is operating out of Cambodia's Ream base: US think tank — Radio Free Asia
- US envoy to UN visits Nagasaki A
- It's no wonder parents are taking their children on holiday during term time! Sky
- UK's Princess of Wales says she is under cancer treatment
Popular articles
Recommended
Hilarious moment mother asks her Cocker Spaniel to help choose her lottery numbers
Key ally of Pakistan's prime minister demands end to ban on social media platform X
Flyers at migrant camp show how the border is inflaming US politics
Dubai rain: Emirates again halts local flight check
Election 2024: Biden and Trump bypassed the Commission on Presidential Debates
Jets beat Canucks 4
Iran's missile, drone program among targets of upcoming U.S. sanctions: White House
House leaders toil to advance Ukraine and Israel aid. But threats to oust speaker grow
Links
- Researchers uncover future variations of irrigation water use in China
- Chengdu Universiade offers 3D
- Giving China's treasures a modern touch
- Survey reveals Australians' attitudes towards clean energy transition
- Space devices help taikonauts maintain their health in zero gravity
- Xizang chairman hails region's miraculous development
- Inheritor creates ceramic work to celebrate upcoming Asian Games
- Yemen's Houthis claim missile attacks on British, Israeli, U.S. ships
- Final survivor of USS Arizona after Pearl Harbor attack dies at 102
- Hong Kong defends new security law