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The Future of Hotel Marketing in China

 In this digital era, even the hotel sector had to adapt. For this reason, robots have been hired in a new Tech-hotel.

The future of hotel marketing in China is digital-first, interactive, and AI-driven—and if you’re not already moving in that direction, you’re going to get left behind. Here’s where things are headed and five powerful tips to stay ahead of the game:

1. Double Down on Digital

– Digital is no longer just part of the strategy—it is the strategy. Chinese travelers live on platforms like WeChat, Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and Baidu. So if you want to be where your audience is, you’ve got to dominate these digital channels. Think comprehensive social media campaigns, powerful Baidu SEO, and building a strong presence on Chinese travel sites like Mafengwo. Your brand has to show up digitally first if you want to make an impression.

Xiaohongshu RED banner

2. Embrace AI and Chatbots for Instant Customer Service

– Chinese travelers expect instant communication. They’re used to real-time service, and a delay can mean lost bookings. AI-powered chatbots are now sophisticated enough to handle inquiries in Mandarin, help with bookings, and even answer questions about local attractions. These bots can live on your website or WeChat account, providing round-the-clock service. It’s efficient, scalable, and gives travelers the immediate answers they’re looking for, whether they’re checking in at midnight or booking from another timezone.

3. Go All-In with Video Content on Douyin

– Video is king, and Douyin is the throne. Chinese travelers love short, engaging video content that gives them a taste of the experience they’re booking. Want to showcase a room tour, the view from the top floor, or the vibe of the hotel restaurant? Create punchy, visually compelling videos that bring these experiences to life. The future of marketing is immersive, and Douyin offers that through quick, addictive video content that captures attention fast. Think room tours, nearby attractions, and guest testimonials in 15-second segments that sell the experience in a way words can’t.

Douyin KOL marketing travel

4. Live Streaming: Your Virtual Open House

– Live streaming has become massive in China, and it’s not slowing down. Chinese travelers trust live content because it’s real and unedited. Use live streaming as a virtual open house to show off your property, amenities, and special features. Walk through the lobby, let viewers ask questions, introduce your team, and showcase the nearby attractions. Partner with influencers to host live sessions on platforms like Douyin or WeChat. It’s an interactive way to build trust and bring your hotel experience to potential guests right where they are.

5. Leverage Smart Projections and “Star Ratings” for Social Proof

– AI-driven projections and predictive analytics are reshaping how you can tailor your marketing. With smart projections, you can target the best time to reach Chinese travelers based on travel seasons, historical data, and local demand. Plus, social proof matters more than ever—especially star ratings and guest reviews on platforms like Trip.com and Mafengwo. Make sure your hotel maintains top ratings by actively engaging with guests, asking for reviews, and quickly handling any issues that come up. When travelers see a high star rating backed by real feedback, your hotel becomes a no-brainer choice.

The idea, the project, and the investment come from the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba who wanted to build its hotel of the future, called Flyzoo Hotel in the city of Hangzhou, in the province of Zhejiang. Being a futuristic hotel, technology is the absolute master and manifests itself in various sizes and shapes such as the AI management system Tmall Genie that is able to take any order from guests. The CEO of Flyzoo Hotel, Wang Qun, believes this system is a formidable innovation.

International Hotels Adopt AI system

“The new AI system will help to improve the management efficiency of the hotel, by reducing more than half of the labor forces.”

Space where the visitors do not need any receptionists or porters as robots will be able to deal with the clients and their needs through a registered voice. There is also the possibility of being totally alone because, through the scanning of their face, guests can check in and access into the room, while with their own voice they can adjust the room temperature or the intensity of the light.

In the event that the hotel’s guests are interested in buying a few items or furniture in the room, they will simply have to take a picture of the desired object with a special app. This could happen because, in this new hotel, technology is combined with design, so according to your tastes you can choose your room among the 7 themes proposed, hence you can live a 360 degrees unique experience.

The success of this new hotel goes beyond technology, in fact, Alibaba knows the reality behind the world of hotels and their marketing in China. Adopting a good digital marketing strategy is the key to success in the world of hospitality services

This is what you NEED and how we can HELP you!

Referencing your Hotel on Baidu

Having a website translated in Mandarin Chinese is the first step to follow because the percentage of Chinese who speak English isn’t very high. Having a site in Chinese will bring a lot more traffic and will have more references on Baidu if you adopt an infallible SEO.

We can help you do SEO on Baidu with our expertise and experience.

Integrate the Chinese Travel Platforms

If you want to attire more Chinese in your hotel, You need it to be visible in the Chinese booking platforms like CTRIP, QUNAR, and ELONG. In fact, most Chinese tourists prefer to book their hotel room on a booking platform rather than booking directly on the website of the hotel.

Our Agency can help you to integrate the Chinese Travel platforms

Online Press Releases

Our agency can help you to create and manage your hotel online booking platforms. Press releases are very important to attract tourists to your hotel. They help to gain visibility and build trust among Chinese Internet users. To do this, your hotel must appear or be mentioned on different sites and blogs.

We have more than 2000 journalists online on our address book.

Online Reputation

it is becoming vital for hoteliers to build an honest and professional online reputation. Since your online reputation is so readily visible to potential guests at all times, from reviews to posts, hoteliers need to monitor these channels as often as possible.

Our agency can help you manage your online reputation on tourism sites and forums

Wechat + Weibo Marketing: The Perfect Match

In China, you can do anything without integrate the Chinese social media platform such as Wechat or Weibo. Wechat is the most popular social network in China, With its 1 billion active users yo will be very powerful if you can catch them. On wechat, you can have a lot of advantages like create your Wechat Official Account, a wechat H5(Very strategic). 

We are a Digital Agency, for more information about US

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What’s next? Contact Gentleman!

A Digital Marketing Agency based in Shanghai. An amazing team that helps their clients to grow in the Chinese market by implementing the most effective digital strategy.

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One Comment

  1. This article is great, explain everything what we need to know to boost our Chinese visitors.
    Do you have case studies and report that you can send me?

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