How Hoteliers can increase Chinese Guest in Thailand

Attracting Chinese tourists can be a lucrative opportunity for hoteliers in Thailand.

However, several challenges must be addressed to effectively tap into this market segment.

10 problems that hotels might encounter when trying to attract Chinese tourists:

1. Language Barriers: Inadequate Mandarin-speaking staff can make communication difficult, leading to misunderstandings and a less satisfying guest experience.
2. Cultural Misunderstandings: Without a deep understanding of Chinese culture and preferences, hotels may fail to meet the expectations of Chinese guests in terms of hospitality standards and etiquette.
3. Inappropriate Marketing Channels: Using the wrong platforms to market to Chinese tourists, such as Facebook or Instagram, which are less popular in China compared to platforms like Red, WeChat and Douyin.
4. Payment Inflexibility: Lack of access to Chinese payment systems like Alipay or WeChat Pay, which are widely used and preferred by Chinese travelers.
5. Inadequate Promotion of Chinese-friendly Amenities: Failing to highlight amenities that appeal to Chinese guests, such as offering Chinese television channels, hot water kettles in rooms, or traditional Chinese breakfast options.
6. Visa Application Challenges: Complicated or lengthy visa application processes can deter potential Chinese visitors. Providing assistance or information on visa procedures can help mitigate this issue.
7. Lack of Tailored Experiences: Not offering or promoting tailored experiences that cater to Chinese interests, such as shopping packages, local Chinese-speaking tours, or cultural experiences that resonate with Chinese historical preferences.
8. Inadequate Online Presence: Having a minimal or non-optimized online presence on Chinese search engines and travel review sites like Baidu and Ctrip, which hinders visibility among potential Chinese tourists.
9. Poor Handling of Group Bookings: Inefficient processes or lack of capacity to handle large group bookings, which are common among Chinese tourists, especially those coming through tour operators.
10. Ignoring Social Proof: Not managing or leveraging positive reviews from previous Chinese guests. Positive reviews, especially on platforms like Mafengwo and Dianping, heavily influence the travel decisions of Chinese tourists.

Going by the current trends hotelier’s in Bangkok foresee an increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting their country, Thailand. They place this number at about 25% increase every year for the following three years.

Independant travellers in Thailand

 

 

Tourism in Thailand in 2024

Young and enthusiastic Chinese travelers continue to be captivated by the allure of Thailand and its diverse tourist offerings. As of the latest reports, there has been a steady increase in the number of Chinese visitors, reflecting a sustained interest in Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry and vibrant tourist hotspots. Notably, with the resurgence of international travel post-pandemic, the interest among Chinese tourists, particularly from the younger demographics, remains high.

The age group of 18 to 35 years old dominates the segment of independent travelers from China. This demographic shows a clear preference for self-organized trips, leveraging popular online platforms for their travel arrangements. Recent trends indicate a significant shift towards using apps like Ctrip and social media platforms such as WeChat and Douyin to facilitate travel planning and bookings.

Popular destinations within Thailand such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi continue to attract young travelers. These locations are favored not only for their scenic beauty but also for the vibrant nightlife and cultural experiences they offer.

Financially, Chinese tourists have demonstrated considerable spending power. On average, current estimates suggest daily expenditures have significantly increased, with major allocations going towards accommodations, dining, and local experiences. This is reflective of a broader trend where Chinese tourists are increasingly seeking premium experiences and amenities.

Hotels in Thailand have noted the importance of catering to this market by providing services such as Mandarin-speaking staff and robust digital connectivity. An overwhelming majority of Chinese travelers now use digital devices to plan their entire trips, a significant increase from previous years. The demand for seamless online services and constant connectivity, including free Wi-Fi, has become a standard expectation among these travelers.

Industry analysts predict that this trend will continue, with technology and personalized travel experiences playing even larger roles in attracting and satisfying Chinese tourists visiting Thailand

The travelers also opine that Thailand is one of the places where they receive the heartiest welcome ever. partner with travel agency can be an option in China in 2024

How Hotels in Thailand can lure Chinese tourists & Travel agencies

 

To effectively lure Chinese tourists to hotels in Thailand, hoteliers must embrace a multifaceted approach that leverages popular digital platforms and marketing strategies tailored to Chinese consumer behaviors. Here are several strategies that can be employed:

1. Social Media Engagement:

   • WeChat: Create an official account on WeChat to share promotional content, offer customer service, and facilitate bookings directly through the app.
   • Douyin (TikTok): Use Douyin to create engaging, visually appealing content about the hotel, showcasing amenities, special events, and unique experiences available at the property.

2. Utilizing Red (Xiaohongshu):

   • Content Marketing: Post authentic and visually appealing images and stories about the hotel experience, highlighting features particularly attractive to Chinese tourists such as luxurious spa services, exquisite dining, or cultural activities.
   • Influencer Collaborations: Partner with popular influencers on Red to reach a broader audience. Influencers can share their real experiences, providing social proof and encouraging their followers to book a stay.

3. Optimized Website with baidu SEO:

   • Chinese-friendly Website: Develop a Mandarin version of the hotel’s website to cater to Chinese tourists. Ensure that the content is culturally relevant and engaging.
   • SEO for Baidu: Optimize the website for Baidu, the leading search engine in China, focusing on keywords and phrases popular among Chinese tourists looking for accommodation in Thailand. PPC (SEM) can be an option. 

4. Strategic Use of Booking Platforms:

   • Ctrip and Qunar: List the hotel on popular Chinese travel booking platforms like Ctrip and Qunar, where many Chinese tourists go to plan and book their accommodations.
   • Special Deals and Packages: Offer exclusive deals or packages tailored for Chinese tourists on these platforms, such as family packages, romantic getaways, or shopping weekends.

5. Engagement on Travel Forums:

   • Mafengwo qyer, and Dianping: Actively manage and promote the hotel’s profile on Chinese travel forums like Mafengwo and Dianping. Encourage satisfied guests to leave positive reviews and share their experiences.
   • Q&A Interaction: Engage directly with users on these forums by answering questions and providing helpful information about the hotel and surrounding attractions.

6. Leveraging Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs):

   • Targeted Influencer Campaigns: Collaborate with KOLs who specialize in travel and lifestyle to create bespoke content about the hotel.
   • Experience-based Marketing: Invite KOLs to the hotel to experience what it offers firsthand and share their stories with their audience, emphasizing the quality of service and unique aspects of their stay.

By implementing these strategies, hoteliers in Thailand can effectively attract more Chinese tourists, offering them tailored experiences that meet their cultural preferences and connectivity needs. This approach not only increases visibility among Chinese travelers but also enhances their overall experience, leading to higher satisfaction and return rates.

Read more 

https://seoagencychina.com/how-red-become-the-hottest-social-media-for-travel-in-china/

 

 

see also :

• http://marketingtochina.com/how-to-attract-chinese-tourists-all-year-round/
• https://chinesetouristagency.com/new-needs-need-meet-keep-chinese-tourist/
• https://chinesetouristagency.com/thailand-enjoys-a-surge-in-chinese-inbound-tourists/
• http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2014-12/19/content_19129336.htm