If you want to prepare your hotel for Chinese tourists and capture the attention of Chinese travelers, there are a number of key things to keep in mind. With their growing purchasing power and their interest in exploring international destinations, Chinese tourists represent a very interesting market for hotels.
In this article, we share the best strategies to attract Chinese tourists to your hotel and outperform the competition.
1. Develop a digital presence in China
The first step to attracting Chinese customers is to develop a digital presence in China, via popular Chinese social media platforms.
Chinese customers tend to distrust hotel reviews provided by official sites and rely more on the comments, opinions and information they find on social media platforms, because the content is generated by the users themselves and not by the brand.
2. Create a Chinese website for prepare your hotel for Chinese tourists
The second step to target Chinese customers is to create a Mandarin language website or incorporate a Chinese language option in the original version.
It is important to keep in mind that most Chinese people are not fluent enough in English to easily navigate a website.
Therefore, if you want to capture the attention of this audience, it is essential to develop a website that Chinese tourists can easily understand.
A website in Chinese will allow Chinese visitors to access your business information in a clear and straightforward manner, which will build trust and facilitate decision making.
In addition, it is essential to adapt content and messages to the culture and preferences of Chinese tourists. This includes using attractive and relevant images, as well as offering detailed and accurate descriptions of the products or services you offer.
3. Collaborate with travel agencies in China
Establishing strong relationships with Chinese travel agencies is a smart strategy to promote your hotel to Chinese tourists. These agencies can promote your hotel and recommend it to your clients. In addition, participating in trade fairs and tourism events in China can generate greater visibility and recognition for your establishment.
4. Having a presence on Chinese social networks
Chinese social networks, such as Little Red Book, Douyin, WeChat and Weibo, are popular platforms for sharing information and seeking recommendations. Creating and maintaining active profiles on these social networks gives you the opportunity to interact with Chinese tourists and promote your hotel effectively.
5. First-class hospitality
Another important aspect is that with small details, hotels have the opportunity to make Chinese travelers feel at home.
These details include offering some Chinese cuisine at breakfast, providing kettles of water and tea in their rooms, and making sure that there are movies in Chinese.
In addition, it is essential that guides, maps and all the information that hotels provide to tourists are also available in Chinese.
Being attentive and meeting the needs of your Chinese guests will not only allow you to provide them with a satisfying experience in the short term, but will also help you get good reviews about your destination and your hotel on popular social media platforms.
By offering exceptional hospitality, you will be able to generate a positive impact on social media, which in turn will attract more Chinese tourists and enhance your hotel’s reputation in the Chinese outbound tourism market.
6. Adapt your digital marketing strategy
To attract Chinese tourists, it is essential to optimize your digital marketing strategy for Chinese search engines, such as Baidu. This involves using relevant Chinese keywords, creating Chinese content and collaborating with Chinese digital influencers to increase your hotel’s visibility online.
Developing an influencer marketing strategy in China is an effective way to increase your hotel’s visibility and credibility online. Chinese tourists tend to rely on the recommendations and opinions of trusted influencers when making travel decisions.
For this, it is very effective to partner with a Chinese marketing agency specialized in promoting hotel businesses through a presence on Little Red Book, as is the case of InfluChina.
7. Accept payments through popular payment methods in China
Some popular payment methods in China include Alipay and WeChat Pay. Be sure to offer these payment options in your hotel to facilitate transactions for Chinese tourists. This provides them with convenience and security during their stay.
8. Understand Chinese culture
Hotels looking to attract Chinese customers must tailor their services to meet their cultural needs and expectations. Knowing and understanding their culture plays a crucial role in this process.
Chinese culture is steeped in superstitions and deep-rooted beliefs.
Therefore, it is important to be mindful of certain aspects when accommodating Chinese clients. For example, you should avoid assigning them rooms or apartments with the number 4, since in Chinese culture this number is associated with bad luck and death.
Instead, it is recommended to offer them rooms or apartments with the number 8, which is considered a number of good luck and prosperity in China.
In addition, it is important to understand and respect Chinese customs and traditions when interacting with guests. For example, it is common for Chinese tourists to prefer to be served hot water or tea.
By understanding and adapting to Chinese culture, hotels can provide a more satisfying and personalized experience for Chinese tourists. This will not only increase their satisfaction, but also generate positive recommendations and long-term loyalty.
9. High-value destination content
Tourists do not plan their trips around the hotel, but around the destination they wish to explore and enjoy.
It is essential to provide them with detailed and relevant information about the city and country where your hotel is located to make that destination even more attractive and capture their attention.
It is essential to provide detailed descriptions of cultural attractions, such as historical monuments, museums and landmarks. It is also recommended to highlight the authenticity of local cuisine and suggest popular restaurants offering traditional dishes. In addition, providing information about cultural activities and special events at the destination can arouse the interest and excitement of Chinese tourists.
Another important point is to provide clear and practical information on transportation and how to get to the places of interest. This includes indicating public transportation options, such as buses or trains, as well as suggesting convenient routes and schedules. By providing them with this information, you allow them to plan and enjoy their trip more efficiently and pleasantly.
10. Form alliances with Chinese companies
Pursuing strategic alliances with Chinese companies, such as airlines, online travel agencies and insurance companies, can generate greater exposure and promotion for your hotel.
These partnerships can include travel packages with special discounts or exclusive benefits for the clients of these companies. We recommend having a presence on Chinese online travel agencies such as Fliggy or Ctrip.
Conclusion
Chinese outbound tourism can be a great source of revenue for your hotel, which requires a strategic approach and a deep understanding of their culture and preferences. By implementing these ten effective strategies, you will be able to position your hotel as a preferred choice for Chinese tourists and outperform your competition.
Remember that quality content and attention to detail are key to standing out in search results and capturing the attention of Chinese tourists online.
We hope this article has provided you with effective ideas to attract Chinese tourists to your hotel. If you would like to get more information and one-on-one advice, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist you in your goal to outperform other websites and succeed in attracting Chinese customers to your hotel.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Chinese outbound tourism for hotels
What are the keys to adapting a hotel to Chinese customers?
The keys to adapting a hotel to Chinese customers are as follows:
- Develop a digital presence in China, using popular Chinese social media platforms.
- Create a Chinese website or include a Chinese language option in the original version.
- Collaborate with Chinese travel agencies to promote the hotel.
- Be present on Chinese social networks, such as Little Red Book, Douyin, WeChat and Weibo.
- Offer first-class hospitality, considering the details that Chinese travelers value.
- Create a digital marketing strategy for Chinese search engines, such as Baidu.
- Accept popular payment methods in China, such as Alipay and WeChat Pay.
- Understand Chinese culture and adapt services.
- Provide high-value content about the destination where the hotel is located.
- Establish strategic partnerships with Chinese companies, such as airlines and travel agencies.
Why is it necessary for a hotel to have a Chinese website to attract Chinese customers?
It is essential to have a website in Chinese to attract Chinese customers because most of them are not fluent enough in English to navigate a website easily. A Chinese website makes it easier for Chinese tourists to access hotel information in a clear and straightforward manner, building trust and facilitating decision making.
How can I adapt my hotel's strategy for Chinese customers?
You can establish strong relationships with Chinese travel agencies, so it is first necessary to have a presence on Baidu. These agencies can recommend your hotel to their clients and participate in trade fairs and tourism events in China to increase the visibility of your establishment.
What are the popular payment methods in China that I should offer in my hotel?
The popular payment methods in China that you should offer in your hotel are Alipay and WeChat Pay. These payment methods are widely used by Chinese customers around the world and provide convenience and security during their transactions. By offering these payment options, you make the experience easier.