Insights into Chinese outbound tourism: Ep #23

Insights into Chinese outbound tourism chatting with George Cao from Dragon Trail Interactive, China.

In episode 23 of Tourism Tweetup the Podcast we chat to George Cao co-founder and CEO of Dragon Trail Interactive, a digital marketing agency and travel technology company based in China. Dragon Trail helps travel and tourism organisations reach and connect with China’s affluent consumers.

Highlights, Notes & Links We Mention in this Episode

The market is growing and becoming very diversified - don't look at the market as one big source market it is no long just group travel as experience is growing to the point that FIT OTA

Looking at the segments of the Chinese outbound market is important, there are 3 key segments to look at 1) Inexperienced mass-market 2) Experienced mass-market 3) Affluent travellers (experienced) - which segment do you want to focus on?

Read more about these segments on the Boston Consulting report here.

Around the 9 minute market we discuss what some destinations in north America are doing to attract Chinese travellers. Visas and access to travel visas play a key role in growing tourism.

At the 13 minute mark we discuss Canada Tourism and China - 'Canada You Can Be A Star' as well as 'CTC TV' to drive inspiration for the destination.

At the 15 minute mark we discuss things that new entrants to the Chinese market need to think about including product fit, getting started & testing/feedback, research, relationships with the trade, being China ready.

Inexperienced mass-market = famous, iconic experiences

Experienced mass-market = relaxing, vacation experiences

Affluent travellers = new experiences, unique, local cultural experiences

From the 19 minute mark we delve into marketing and for the potential Chinese traveller this means online and 'online in China today means MOBILE'.

"Social and mobile is the key discovery engine for China" [Tweet ""Social and mobile is the key discovery engine for China""]

The one social media player that stands out is WeChat - listen in at the 21 minute mark for awesome details and insights on WeChat from George Cao.

Weibo is also significant.

Around the 24 -28 minute mark I ask about how the distribution channels and OTA's fit in. Listen in to learn about the key travel OTA's in China and how OTA's fit in.

Payment methods/channels/infrastructure are easily incorporated into the online purchase cycle now explains George (26 minutes).

Dragon trail offers several starter options and products for tourism operators including 'The Starter Pack' as well as 'Tripshow.com' a social aggregation server as well as 'The China Travel Academy'.

More free resources via the Dragon Trail website here.

Dragon Trail on LinkedIn

The post Insights into Chinese outbound tourism: Ep #23 appeared first on Holly G.

Insights into Chinese outbound tourism chatting with George Cao from Dragon Trail Interactive, China.

In episode 23 of Tourism Tweetup the Podcast we chat to George Cao co-founder and CEO of Dragon Trail Interactive, a digital marketing agency and travel technology company based in China. Dragon Trail helps travel and tourism organisations reach and connect with China’s affluent consumers.

Highlights, Notes & Links We Mention in this Episode

The market is growing and becoming very diversified – don’t look at the market as one big source market it is no long just group travel as experience is growing to the point that FIT OTA
Looking at the segments of the Chinese outbound market is important, there are 3 key segments to look at 1) Inexperienced mass-market 2) Experienced mass-market 3) Affluent travellers (experienced) – which segment do you want to focus on?
Read more about these segments on the Boston Consulting report here.
Around the 9 minute market we discuss what some destinations in north America are doing to attract Chinese travellers. Visas and access to travel visas play a key role in growing tourism.
At the 13 minute mark we discuss Canada Tourism and China – ‘Canada You Can Be A Star’ as well as ‘CTC TV’ to drive inspiration for the destination.
At the 15 minute mark we discuss things that new entrants to the Chinese market need to think about including product fit, getting started & testing/feedback, research, relationships with the trade, being China ready.
Inexperienced mass-market = famous, iconic experiences
Experienced mass-market = relaxing, vacation experiences
Affluent travellers = new experiences, unique, local cultural experiences
From the 19 minute mark we delve into marketing and for the potential Chinese traveller this means online and ‘online in China today means MOBILE’.
“Social and mobile is the key discovery engine for China” 

“Social and mobile is the key discovery engine for China”
Click To Tweet

The one social media player that stands out is WeChat – listen in at the 21 minute mark for awesome details and insights on WeChat from George Cao.
Weibo is also significant.
Around the 24 -28 minute mark I ask about how the distribution channels and OTA’s fit in. Listen in to learn about the key travel OTA’s in China and how OTA’s fit in.
Payment methods/channels/infrastructure are easily incorporated into the online purchase cycle now explains George (26 minutes).
Dragon trail offers several starter options and products for tourism operators including ‘The Starter Pack’ as well as ‘Tripshow.com‘ a social aggregation server as well as ‘The China Travel Academy’.
More free resources via the Dragon Trail website here.
Dragon Trail on LinkedIn

The post Insights into Chinese outbound tourism: Ep #23 appeared first on Holly G.