How to promote your hotel to Chinese tourists?

China is already the Number 1 outbound tourism market around the globe. Chinese tourists going out of China continue to arise by 17% to 20% every year and are expected to go up considerably, according to the China Tourism Academy. According to World Travel Organization, there will be 100 million Chinese travelling abroad by 2020. Most of them would stay in different hotels available worldwide. Studies from AC Nielsen shows that most Chinese tourists choose high levels of hotels to stay in: one in three of them will choose a 4-star hotel, while one tenth of them will choose a 5-star hotel when outbound.

The Chinese’ choice

luxury hotel

Chinese choose hotels based on their own knowledge, those of their peers, promotions, and through the internet. Chinese tourists consider a lot of things before choosing a hotel, one is safety.  Most Chinese travellers are going abroad for the first time, so their first priority would be their safety in the place they’re going to and, of course, the safety of the place they’ll be staying at.

Another factor usually considered by Chinese is the convenience in transportation. A large number of Chinese are not good in English; therefore a hotel with personal transport service or tour buses or the like is a huge plus in the Chinese market.

Price is also part of the points to consider. Chinese more than others look carefully at the prices even though they spend way more than the average person while on holidays. For instance, they go to Italy to shop luxury goods because of the lower prices of these said goods compared to the highly priced  goods in mainland China; they do it the same way with hotels. Two hotels with basically the same services but different prices, they’ll go to the cheaper one instead.

How to be seen by the Chinese Market?

Maldives chinese website

Have a Website in Chinese

Having a website in Chinese is the first action to be seen by the Chinese market. Most of the Chinese, cannot read nor understand basic English, but are very interested in travelling around the world. Make yourself be known and show that you can accommodate them with understanding them and letting them understand you.

Also, have your website hosted in China. It is important for Chinese to see your website to arouse interest, it must attract visitors by SEM or SEO, talk about your website on forums or on Chinese social networks.

Partner with local Chinese agencies or Multinational agencies in China

A huge number of Chinese travel in groups, due to many reasons:

  • Language barrier. As mentioned above, Chinese travellers can barely speak English, so a guide would be ideal.
  • Visa. Agencies take care of everything including obtaining a visa, which can often be a hassle to Chinese citizen for its complicated process.
  • Fear. Most Chinese people only started travelling during the last decade, so travelling alone is never an option.
  • Culture. In Chinese culture, people are used in doing things in groups.
  • Price. Travelling with a travel agency in a large group is cheaper than travelling alone or small group and China is a very price sensitive society.

Talks among different agencies can make your hotel and website known, and can give you your first business. Agencies are generally hard to find, they have specific requirements and have been already working with contractors for years. Having strong media marketing is a must!

On-line Promotion

Internet in China is increasing its influence; both large and small brands use the internet to promote their businesses. Whether by direct promotion with banners or indirect via Buzzs or public relations, on-line communication has now become almost mandatory.

 A low initial investment, ROI (Return on Investment) generally good and measurable, a wide range of media, interactivity with the customer, all these factors make on-line promotion a big factor in the Chinese tourism sector.

Multimedia

Philippines tourism for chinese

Using quality multimedia is a particularly effective tool in the travel industry. The tourist has to have a fantasy image of the country he will visit. Attractive pictures, videos of fantasy-like images are used by agencies to attract customers looking for a trip, but also to raise awareness about their vacation destination.

Social Networks

Internet influence on Chinese citizens has become vast and wide. The major part of Chinese Internet users spend time on is on social networks, like Weibo and WeiXin. Weibo is a mix between twitter and facebook, it combines the responsiveness of twitter, looking for information with the social and playful side of Facebook. WeiXin is like WhatsApp with a side of e-commerce marketing.

Press Relations

Doing PR in China is very important. It allows you to promote your service to a wide variety of Chinese citizens. This communication is primarily with rich visuals or feedbacks and testimonials from people who have visited the country.

Online Public relation in China and particularly in the travel industry is increasing at a rapid rate.

A new article on a Chinese site can be viewed tens of thousands of times.

Product Placement

ball hotel advertising

Film and television are a media form of communication to inform Chinese public of your travel destination. A movie watched by millions of Chinese can make a lasting memory and do wonders. A hit TV series is the ultimate weapon which profoundly influences the mass public.

Today, film or other audiovisual, brands in the real emotional and identifiable by the consumer.

For example, a Chateau Lafite for special occasions, a Mac for professionals, and icecream Haagen-Dazs to seduce a beautiful girl, your hotel in a honeymoon scene – It was during a scene that the consumer thinks the best use of the product or in a place.

This discipline is called product placement, a marketing technique to maturity in the U.S. today, and progress in China. The cinema is a reflection of life, real life or the life that you would like to have. The spectator believes what he sees.

Many companies help shape this reality and allow the director to create his fictional universe.

Easier solution

There are a lot of agencies that help companies, including hotels, regarding communication solutions with the Chinese target.

We, the Gentlemen Marketing Agency, can help you connect your company to China, and create solutions in attracting this Chinese market. If you have a serious project, please contact us directly for further information or see our references here.

Read also : China hotel online marketing

Sources:

National Tourism Administration of China – http://en.cnta.gov.cn/

20 comments

  • Bandara Rathnayake - Resident Manager, Ganthera Hotel, Kandy - Sri Lanka

    Dear Respective Sir/ Madam,

    We would like to check whether you all are promoting tourists to visit Sri Lanka through your organization / company !

    If yes, we are pleased to work out in promoting our hotels ( two properties – with small number of inventory ) in Kandy – center point in Sri Lanka, inclusive sight seeing around Kandy such as Main temple of Kandy – Sri Dalada Malidawa, Botanical garden, Elephant orphanage plus other historical temple etc…
    and transfer arrangements from and to international airport and any other travel destinations required,

    Look forward to hear from you and if this is can be done will workout for travel / tour operator contract rates to provide you and go for details how we could do the rest schedule by our coordination,

    Thank you,
    best regards,

    Bandara Rathnayake,
    REsident Manager.
    +94 773883428 ( inclusive whatsApp)

  • TRAVELMONKEY

    Hi
    We need your help
    we are travel agency located in durbar square kathmandu and also run a restaurant in the same building named as little door cafe. this is one Hiof the famous restaurant and cafe in durbar square becasue of the good food and as i speak very good chinese language i give a good information about touring and other information to our chinese customer i want to list my business in ctrip both my restaurant and the travel business and soon in 3 months we are staring a hotel…

  • really nice explanation. one question, these strategies are still valide for 2019?

    • Olivier

      Most of them are still working. If you want to know how we can help you, you have better to Call Gab. 😉

  • realtyWW

    Hello! Thank you for nice article!

    Just wanted to say, that if you’re looking where to advertise with Hotels

    It is free and international

    Furthermore, every ad will be distributed to social media.

  • Hi Dear Olivier & Philip,
    I would like to discuss with you further,
    can you please advise me how to contact you?

  • Chitwan Nepal a must see place in Nepal for animal lovers and for
    those who wish to have a bit of Terai experience!

    Description provided by property:-

    All the rooms at Hotel Jungle Vista are en-suites with all the modern
    facilities. Satellite television, attached bathrooms with hot and cold
    shower around the clock. A separate dining room serves delicious
    Nepalese, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine.

    Hotel Jungle Vista is located in the Chitwan National park, the one of
    the finest national parks in Asia, it lies in the lowlands of
    south-central Nepal, covering an area of 932 sq. km and is listed a
    World Heritage site since 1984.

    Area activities
    We are a complete safari operator in Chitwan. Depending on your
    schedule and according to the length of your stay, your program will
    include as below:

    Elephant Back Safari

    One can monitor wildlife activities in the deep jungle while sitting
    on a well trained elephant. The duration of elephant back safari is
    about one and half hours. Our trained naturalist will accompany you
    and can explain about the animals, flora and fauna of the Park.

    Cultural Tours

    Tharus are the indigenous inhabitations of the Terai. Our expert guide
    will help you to meet the Tharu people and experience their
    traditional way of living. This brings you many years back to human
    civilization and in the evening, we will entertain you with Tharu folk
    dances performed by Tharu troupes and invite guests to join them in
    this rhythmic display.

    Jungle Drive

    Jeep Safari is a fast and safer way to discover a wide range of the
    forest environment in the Chitwan National Park. A four hour jeep
    drive covers about 50 km inside the park including the crocodile
    breeding centre.

    Dugout Canoe Ride

    During the canoe trip on the Rapti River, you will be able to view an
    array of nature’s beautiful riverside scenery including different
    types of birds, two types of crocodile – Gharial and Mugger basking on
    the river bank, and other aquatic creatures.

    Elephant Breeding Center

    This is the first elephant breeding centre in Asia and situated only
    two km. from our hotel. Our naturalist will take you to the elephant
    breeding center to show the baby elephants socializing with their
    parents. How the elephant meals are prepared and how they eat. They
    will explain the nature and habits of the elephant. The centre is
    government owned and its purpose is to raise the young elephant to
    secure a viable population.

    Elephant Bathing

    On a sunny day, one of the main attractions in the Rapti River is
    swimming with the Elephants where you can have a lot of fun.

    Bird Watching

    The Chitwan National Park is home to more than 530 species of birds.
    Our specialist will help you to view these and identify them. There
    are Cormorants, Herons, Egrets, Storks, Cranes, Ducks, Woodpeckers,
    Hawks, Osprey, Falcons, Kestrel, Parakeets, Ibis, Kites, Cuckoos,
    Kingfishers, Swallows, Orioles, Drongos, Babblers and many others.
    Bird watching is always best on foot early in the morning.

    Nature Walks

    Our experienced naturalists will accompany you to the more specialized
    habitats of wild animals. This is the ideal opportunity to explore and
    experience at closer quarters the beauty of the flora and fauna. There
    are number of watch towers on the route in which you may climb to get
    a better view of the surroundings.

    Night Stay at the Jungle Tower

    Several towers and lakes have been created by a local community
    committee to preserved wildlife in forest. There are provisions for a
    whole night stay in an extraordinary deep and peaceful jungle
    environment.

    DEVRAJ ARYAL

    SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER
    +977 9751023357

    Hotel Jungle Vista
    Sauraha Chitwan Nepal
    Phone : 00977 56 580329 / 486

    ———————————————————————–
    KTM Office Mobile :- 9855080329 (Ramesh)

    hoteljunglevista.com

    Chitwan Nepal a must see place in Nepal for animal lovers and for those who
    wish to have a bit of Terai experience!

    “Stop Thinking Start Travelling”

    • Olivier

      Please send us email for promotingyour hotel in China

  • Hotel in Asia

    Dragon Rider Travel is launched with the objective of giving a perfect holiday package to everybody across the globe. Bhutan being one of the happiest countries in the world, it has become the number one tourist destination in the world. We are specialized in all fields such as trekking, cultural tours, flora and fauna, hot springs, environment and above all Happiness. We book good accommodations with tasty foods and expose you to the life time experience of comfort and happiness.
    We have trained staffs and guides to show you Bhutan.Dragon Rider Travels makes sure that our guests have no complaints over our services. If you are tired, needed a break and hoping to spend a good holiday, we are here for you. The pristine environment of Bhutan with fresh air, beautiful mountains, flowing rivers and hospitality of people will make you feel like you are in heavenly country. Trust us and give us a chance to give you a holiday of your life time.

    • Olivier

      Hi hotel in Asia,
      Why you do not send us an email where you indicate your project your budget and schedule…

  • Our hotel has in hotel free use wireless system, Tv hall in lobby area, tour information desk, indoor and outdoor terrace restaurant, open buffet large food breakfast.

    This stone built hotel is located in the old village of Cavusin. Muskara Cave Hotel offers free Wi-Fi and a terrace restaurant featuring sights of the hot air balloons rising up from the valleys of Cappadocia.

    All rooms of Muskara Cave are traditionally decorated with carpets and curtains. They all include a seating area and a TV .

    • Olivier

      If you are interested in promoting your resort, let us know 😉

      • Viji Wickramasinghe

        I have a beautiful 4 bedVilla in South of Sri Lanka, 20 mins from popular tourist beaches Weligama and Mirissa. If you can promote we can reward you for the bookings.

        • Olivier

          Hi, We can send you our solution 😉 but we do not work on Rewards

      • Dear Sir,
        I have a hotel in Sri lanka in Bentota area, if you can promote in your country, we can do joint business or I will give your portion, please contract at upulchamara@yahoo.com or +97455131970 ( I am in Doha Qatar)

      • Dear Sir/Madam

        Im fallo from Maldives
        if u a interested to send me a tourists let me know. I have guest house n safari boats

        regards
        Fallo

  • ARE YOU READY TO ATTRACT CHINESE TOURIST TO YOUR HOTEL? There are certain things to keep in mind, when trying to cater to Chinese tourist. Be prepared to change some of you internal policies and procedures, and implement some of the needs and wants that you MAY ENCOUNTER. FOR THE 100 M. CHINESE TOURISTS TO BE OUTBOUND IN 2015.The opportunities are immense, and immeasurable. It is like taking the whole tip of South America and part of west countries and send them all on a vacation. These countries are Argentina, Chile, Peru and Bolivia. can you imagine the economic impact that this is going to bring. AS A HOTELIER I WOULD SAY: HAVE SOMEONE ON STAFF THAT SPEAKS CHINESE, NOT ONLY THAT BUT UNDERSTAND THE CULTURE. In which your hotel will be promoted efficiently. Change some of your menus or add to your existing menu. In the rooms supply it with tea instead of coffee. Your hotel need to have transportation available to and from tourist attractions, and shopping centers, specially the outlet malls. When I went out with my Chinese friends, I first took them to a Chinese buffet, I am not cheap, but I just wanted to see how they react. Next day we went to a Thai restaurant and then an a la cart Chinese, and of course take them to experience some american cousine. REMEMBER THAT CHINESE TOURISTS MOST LIKELY WITH BE A GROUP RESERVATION, EVEN THE CHINESE STUDENTS TRAVEL IN GROUPS OF FRIENDS, AND FAMILIES BRINGING THEIR SON OR DAUGHTER TO VISIT COLLEGES WILL ALSO TRAVEL IN A GROUP OF THREE OR MORE. SO NOW, ARE YOU READY?

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