7 key insights revealed into Chinese outbound travel

"The workshop has been designed to give South Africa’s tourism trade vital information on how to enter the lucrative Chinese outbound travel market. China is currently the world’s biggest outbound travel market and SA Tourism ‘s Asia Pacific team is working very hard and smart to gain market share."

The China Ready Workshop provided intelligent insights into China outbound travel. The workshop also provided delegates with a detailed overview of the media and marketing landscape in China. The delegates were given advice on how to enhance the visitor experience for the Chinese traveller.

Commenting on the importance of this market to the Cape, Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris said: "The hosting of the workshop is perfectly timed, with Cathay Pacific launching a direct flight between Cape Town and Hong Kong last month, connecting the Cape directly to China for the first time."

"We welcome this workshop as we seek to boost our relationship with this important global market. More work needs to be done in attracting Chinese tourists, but there are already positive signs with spend and length of stay increasing in 2017 compared to that of 2016."

SA Tourism’s 2019 Asia Pacific Roadshow planned for June and July 2019 was presented to the delegates.

"It is important for tourism businesses in SA to realise the benefits of becoming China Ready. There risks and rewards associated with doing business in China, more informed decisions can be made if one understand these risks," concluded Mohamed.

Outbound travel insights included

1. China, the largest outbound travel market is expected to grow from an estimated 140 million travellers in 2018 to an estimated 250 million travellers by 2025.

2. South Africa will receive an estimated 100,000 Chinese Travelers in 2018 with an average stay of 9 days and estimated economic impact of R1.4bn for the six months ending June 2018.

3. Travel habits are changing, and while packaged tours are still popular for Chinese travellers to South Africa, most Chinese travellers now prefer FIT over group packaged tours.

4. The number of repeat visitors from China to South Africa is more than 50%, which is a strong indication that first-time travellers are finding South Africa safe, secure and a value-added destination.

5. Chinese travellers look mostly at Chinese language websites to book their travel. Therefore, it is better for SA Businesses to establish excellent relationships with local players in China.

6. The average Chinese person spends an average of more than four hours on the mobile device every day.

7. The number of smartphone users in China is estimated at 750 million users, more than three times the size of the US at an estimated 220 million.