Chinese are tourism’s biggest spenders

China overtook Germany and the United States as the largest spender in international tourism in 2012, according to UNWTO, with an expenditure of US$ 102 billion. The market is only getting bigger, in fact The Tourism Administration of China predicts that more than 100 million Chinese tourists will travel abroad in 2014.

Experts from the hospitality industry discuss increased travel within and out of China:

UNWTO says that the increase has been due to, “rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes and relaxation of restrictions on foreign travel.”

Hotels.com has been following Chinese travel trends since 2012. The Chinese International Travel Monitor 2014 shows that 97% of Chinese travellers have been abroad for leisure and 49% have been for business and education. It says that Chinese international travellers were the top spenders for hotel accommodation in Australia, Japan, Netherlands, and New Zealand in 2013.

This monitor surveyed Chinese travellers about booking and travel behaviour. The research found that on average Chinese travellers looked at almost five sources of information when researching holidays, which is up from four in the 2013 monitor. 53% said they book accommodation online or through a mobile app. 59% of those surveyed said Free Wi-Fi was the most important service they look for on a trip abroad, and 71% of hoteliers said that Free Wi-Fi was the service most requested by guests from China. This desire for connectivity reflects global trends.

Countries across the globe, including Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, UK, and the US are targeting this growing source market with tourism campaigns and initiatives. However, according to Hotels.com, Australia is the place Chinese travellers would most like to visit. The USA was the top destination actually visited in 2013, and Hong Kong and Thailand follow in second and third place.

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Video clips produced by ybc.hpgcms.wpengine.com for the Hospitality Channel, including interview from industry conferences such as the IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

Briefing: Digital age guests want connectivity as standard

We live in a world of consumerised, mobile technology where guests increasingly use the latest gadgets at home and on the move. When guests check in to a hotel they do not stop wanting this level of connectivity. The hotel industry is upping its game, embracing technology as a part of the hotel’s design, infrastructure, and service processes. With increased expectations of hotels and ‘basics’ redefined, brands must find ways to provide “next level” digital experiences for their guests. In this briefing we hear comment from:

  • Anton Bawab, Regional President, Viceroy Hotel Group on connective technology being a must have for hotels

  • Jim Abrahamson, Chief Executive Officer, Interstate Hotels & Resorts on why brands that give great experiences will succeed in the digital world

  • Kathleen Matthews, Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer, Marriott International Inc on customers wanting connectivity and rich experiences

  • Robert Shepherd, Chief Development Officer – Europe, InterContinental Hotels Group on innovative hotel designs that target modern business travellers

 

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Video clips produced by ybc.hpgcms.wpengine.com for the Hospitality Channel, including interview from industry conferences such as the IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

Briefing: Women at the top

Although women have always accounted for over 50% of the hospitality workforce, this has typically been disproportionately towards the bottom of the pyramid. Things are gradually improving with women being promoted into C level roles, but there is still plenty of work to do to address the gender gap. In this briefing we speak to three women who have built successful hospitality careers about what the industry can do to bring more diversity at the top.

Comment from:

  • Kathleen Matthews, Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer, Marriott International Inc on why women are still disproportionately represented in the hospitality industry

  • Karen Friebe, Partner, Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP, on why women need more role models in the industry

  • Wolfgang Wienz, Senior Technical Specialist, Hotels, Catering & Tourism, International Labour Organization on whether the industry can overcome gender gaps

  • Elizabeth Winkle, Managing Director, STR Global on how women in the industry would benefit from mentor relationships

If you’ve been sent to this page and you’re not yet on the circulation list to receive these regular briefings and you would like to sign up, you can do see here. It’s free.

Video clips produced by ybc.hpgcms.wpengine.com for the Hospitality Channel, including interview from industry conferences such as the IHIF conference as well as specific Hospitality Channel shoots.

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