In 2014, Chinese travellers were probably the hottest topic and most wanted market segment – and they’re not going anywhere. In fact, more of them are set to travel in the year ahead. The trick is grabbing their attention and getting them to book with you.
Below we examine key trends from last year, predicted trends this year, and channels you can use to tap into this lucrative market.
Ctrip, China’s leading online travel agency, released the best destination rating for 2014 by Chinese travellers.
Key findings:
Countries around the world are already attempting to accommodate chinese travellers in a variety of ways, some of which are quite unique! Read our blog on it: 5 Interesting Strategies Being Used to Attract Chinese Travellers.
Skift listed the top Chinese travel trends to watch for in the coming year.
While a vast majority of Chinese travellers stayed in Asia last year, more flight routes and easier visas will entice experienced travellers to extend their reach. Tourism boards will continue to create niche promotions targeting Chinese travellers (eg. the recent Restaurant Australia campaign), and online travel agencies will look to capture the majority of these outbound bookings.
The trend that started last year will continue – this year we will see a surge in strategic partnerships (eg. China Eastern & Qantas) as well as tourism related purchases by Chinese brands (eg. Ctrip bought a cruise ship from Royal Carribean).
Using Chinese OTAs is the best way to gain access into the Chinese traveller market.
Tnooz reports that as of Q2 in 2014, Ctrip is still leading, followed by eLong and ly.com.
Ctrip is the biggest OTA, with a market share more than 6 times the size of eLong.
Tour and activity operators who want to access the Chinese market can partner with Tours4Fun, an OTA owned by Ctrip. Rezdy’s booking system connects you to hundreds of online agents, including Tours4Fun. The connection is automatic, so that you eliminate the risk of overbooking, while reducing your admin time.
To learn more about connecting to Tours4Fun via Rezdy, click here.