A structural change is happening in the way Chinese travel, according to trends research revealed by Chinese Outbound Tourism Express.
The products of a packaged tour with a busy schedule in multiple destinations are being replaced by all-directional development such as in-depth and theme tours.
“More and more Chinese tourists see outbound travel as a chance to broaden horizons, and experience foreign cultures,†noted the Tourism Express
“Therefore, they have higher demand for the content and patterns of travel. Seen from the sales of tour operators, half of the outbound tourism market has now been taken over by FIT tours.
“This shows that tourists are increasingly pursuing personalised tour experiences.â€
A specialist from travel company CYTS said,” Tourists have a clear purpose, and focus more on quality of service and brand.
“For instance, we have a tourist who had been to the Maldives before; the reason he chooses to go there a second time is just because he is fond of a hotel on the island.â€
Shi Xin, who works in marketing at China International Travel Service, said Chinese tourists nowadays not only want to go sightseeing but also experience the local culture and cuisine.
“Winter is the peak season for travelling to Australia and New Zealand, and our tour products to the two destinations were the first to sell out,” Shi added.
