Like any tourist, Chinese overseas visitors will have a series of expectations when it comes to their visit. From accommodation to dining to shopping, the Chinese have very high standards that you need to try and meet. The Chinese can be more demanding than other nationalities because of the way they idolise the West. They live in a society that is shifting its cultural focus to become more like us. Just as everyone expects Paris to be romantic, Chinese visitors have high hopes for their trips into the West.

Knowing what these expectations are will help you put a strategy in place to ensure you delight and impress Chinese tourists.

Understand what they value

Chinese tourists are slowly changing their tastes as their culture shifts to become more Westernised back home. Showing off success is a big part of Chinese society, and for a long time this meant buying the well-known brands of luxury items, such as iPhones, Rolex watches, and Louis Vuitton handbags. Now, sophisticated Chinese tourists are looking for new ways to show off, by choosing local brands that aren’t well known back home, but that focus on quality and workmanship (source: Luxury Society). Having an expensive handbag from abroad that no one has heard of still provides the chance to demonstrate their wealth, and the fact that they have been abroad, with the added bonus of exclusivity.

Be organised and efficient

Chinese tourists often have hectic itineraries. While many younger tourists are starting to strike out on their own, others are still happy to go on a package holiday. These guided tours incorporate plenty of opportunities for shopping, but because they want to get as much done as possible, time can be short. Chinese shoppers don’t want to have to wait a long time to be served, either, so it is important that you have the staff and capabilities to deal with queries and big purchases quickly, often from large groups.

They want to brag about their trip online

Some Westerners see a holiday as a break from social media as well as the usual work and life commitments. Chinese tourists have the exact opposite attitude. A huge 91% of Chinese tourists claimed to interact with social media in some capacity whilst on their travels (source: Jing Daily). They were using social media platforms such as Weibo to share updates on their trips, letting everyone back home see what an amazing time they are having. Considering this kind of recommendation is invaluable, you could find it very beneficial to ensure you have something worthy of being photographed or shared online, whether it is your staff’s distinctive uniforms or a particularly welcoming hotel lobby.

When welcoming anyone, a few small touches can make a big difference. For instance, simple things such as including a kettle (for cooking noodles and breakfast rice) and slippers in the room of every Chinese guest can transform a standard hotel into a place your Chinese guests will feel comfortable and respected in.

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