“Theme-based tourism grounded on local culture attracts Chinese tourists,” said Richard Matuzevich while speaking at the International Conference on Tourism Technology, organized by Association of Tourism Trade Organizations, India at the Le Meridien, Kochi. Cultural exploration and travel experience are the No.1 driver to attract Chinese outbound tourists, he said. “Complete dining and rest facilities and adopt internationally recognized symbols in scenic area and Promoting Mobile payment could attract more Chinese tourists, especially post-80s and post-90s.
“88.3 per cent of the tourists choose online channels as the most helpful channels to obtain overseas travel information and 50.3 per cent use online travel site to purchase oversea flight tickets,” he said. The average age of Chinese outbound tourists is 35 years old, and they have relatively good educational background (Bachelor’s degree & above). Most of them can speak at least one foreign language as they have studied abroad nearly one-quarter,” Matuzevich said.
“Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong and Jiangsu are the top cities/provinces with the largest numbers of outbound tourists. Most of the Chinese travellers are females, who are married and have children. Their income is higher (Average personal income/month and average household income/month are about RMB17,000 and RMB26,000). Chinese travel during long holidays such as National Day holiday, and Chinese New Year,” he said.
Matuzevich advise tourism entrepreneurs to make sure that tourists can find different information easily, which make them eager to come. He also feels that simplifying visa processing and implementing policies, e.g. visa-free or visa on arrival; continuously marketing through online platforms, (e.g. official website, Weibo & WeChat) and providing Chinese travel cards containing attractions’ introduction, maps and reminders of cultural differences will woo more Chinese travellers to the destination.
