The Hong Kong Tourism Board has reported that the number of tourist arrivals in the SAR hit a record 16.86 million in the first half of 2010 — up 23.1% from the previous year.

The report adds that June, a total of 2.62 million tourists visited Hong Kong, up 43.5% year on year.

The tourism board also points out that the Chinese mainland has become a major source of tourists. In the first six months, 10.48 million mainland tourists visited Hong Kong — 26.9% more than in the same period of last year.

A spokesman for the board said the number of tourist arrivals would increase by 20% to 25% in the summer period, and the number may keep growing in the second half of 2010 if Europe recovers from its debt crisis and the global economic environment remains in a good shape.

Source: China Hospitality News

Hong Kong Reports Record Tourist Numbers In First Half 2010 is a post from: China Travel Trends

The number of China’s outbound travelers is expected to reach 52 million this year, up 7 percent year-on-year, the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) forecast in a report issued on Friday.

From January to May this year, China’s outbound travel tourists totaled 26.8 million, up 19 percent over the same period last year, according to the report posted on the CNTA’s website.

The report attributed the outbound tourism boost to stable development of China’s economy and the appreciation of the yuan against the US dollar.

Further, the number of domestic tours throughout the year in China is likely to reach 2.15 billion, up 13 percent year-on-year, the CNTA added.

Source: chinadaily.com

China’s outbound travelers may top 52m in 2010 is a post from: China Travel Trends

Only a few weeks after finalizing its Approved Destination Status (ADS), Canada has already ranked the third most popular tourist destination among Chinese looking to travel abroad, according to a survey released Monday.

In a telephone poll of 1,080 people living in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, the “Research Report on China’s Outbound Tourism Market” found Australia the most desired destination of prospective Chinese travelers, followed by Singapore and Canada.

The report was conducted jointly by the Vancouver-based SUCCESS Foundation, EMR International and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada,

Japan ranked fourth, just ahead of the United States, South Korea and New Zealand. Europe (16 percent), currently the most popular Western destination with Chinese travelers after Asia (67 percent) according to the Chinese Tourism News Association, surprisingly ranked 11th on the list of 13 countries and regions. The Middle East was last with only about 2 percent showing interest in visiting the region.

Unlike Australia which has had ADS since 1999, Canada, which only had its status finalized late last month during Chinese President Hu Jintao’s state visit to the country ahead of the G20 summit in Toronto, was a desired destination of about 13 percent of travelers. Last year, Canada received 160,833 Chinese visitors out of the 47.6 million who traveled abroad.

Historically, countries that have been granted ADS, a designation which allows Chinese tourists to visit in organized, pre-sold tourist groups, have experienced a 40-percent jump in Chinese visitors the first year, increasing to more than 50 percent after two years.

With China forecast to have 100 million outbound tourists by 2020, Yuen Pau Woo, head of the Asia Pacific Foundation, said Canada was uniquely positioned to capitalize on the increasing number of travelers because of the “deep and profound” relationship shared by the two countries.

Currently, Canada and China are marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

“It is this unique connection that we have because of immigration, because of tourists, because of students, because of business ties, that puts Canada, I think, in a unique competitive position to build stronger relations with China. If we have more tourism traffic and Chinese visitors have a better understanding of Canada, in turn Canadians have a better understanding of China and Chinese visitors, suspicions go down, trust goes up,” he said.

Other findings listed Canada as the most popular place for emigration among Beijingers, while Shanghai and Guangzhou residents both preferred Australia. Overall, Australia was the most popular destination for emigration among those polled, just ahead of Canada, the United States, Singapore, New Zealand and Hong Kong.

While America was the unanimous choice for studying abroad among all three cities polled, Canada ranked first (22 percent) as the favorite country or region for investment. the United States was second (18 percent), followed by Australia (13 percent).

Tung Chan, head of SUCCESS, a non-profit group which helps new immigrants start their lives in Canada, said Chinese investors liked the country for its political stability and that it was seen as a “comfort zone” for its large Chinese community numbering about 1.4 million people.

The survey also found Chinese perceived Canada as a place to lead a relaxed life with its beautiful scenery, fresh air, skiing and maple syrup. About 15 percent of respondents said they would like to travel to the country to ski, while another 15 percent wanted to go for the food and wine.

Last year was historic in terms of Chinese tourism as it was the first time in 30 years the country had a trade deficit. Chinese tourist spent more abroad than what foreign visitors spent in China.

Editor: Bi Mingxin

Source: xinhuanet.com

Canada high on list for Chinese planning to travel, invest abroad is a post from: China Travel Trends

Canada is one of the top tourist destinations for Chinese looking to travel abroad, according to a new study released today. The Research Report on China’s Outbound Tourism Market — jointly presented by S.U.C.C.E.S.S., EMR International and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada — found Canada ranks third after Australia and Singapore as a favored destination for Chinese tourists.

At a presentation of the report to tourism industry professionals today, Yuen Pau Woo, President and CEO of the APF Canada noted that Beijing’s recent awarding of Approved Destination Status to Canada opens the door wider to China’s large and growing tourist market. He noted “Chinese travelers represent a massive untapped opportunity for the Canadian tourism industry. The research findings suggest that Canada is well positioned to tap into this large and growing market,” Mr. Woo said.

In 2009, China outbound tourism reached 47,669,999 person/times, an increase of 4% over 2008. Some 89% of the tourists were driven by private (leisure) purpose. Chinese tourism experienced a trade deficit for the first time in 30 years. Outbound tourism is expected to grow by another 11% to 54 million in 2010.

The China Outbound Tourism market research was conducted as a joint initiative of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and EMR International in China in May 2010. The survey interviewed 1080 people by telephone in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou with 360 samples in each city. The study was conducted to find out Chinese customers’ most preferred country to travel, to immigrate, to study abroad, and to invest. Questions on the Chinese impressions of Canada and interest in the Canadian Pavilion at Shanghai Expo 2010 as well as what they had watched during the Winter Olympics in Vancouver were asked. Fifteen percent of respondents indicated that they would visit Canada for food and wine in addition to its natural beauty and for skiing.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S and EMR International will enter an alliance to providemarket research service for Canadian and North American companies wanting to explore the 1.4 billion strong consumer markets in China – literally the largest in the World.

“S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has expertise in providing services that link business investors between China and Canada through its Gateway-to-AsiaTM program. Offering a professional service in China market research is another step forward to elevate the business understanding of consumer markets for both sides of the Pacific,” said Tung Chan, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

Barton S. Li, Principal and Founder of EMR International said, “I am really excited to be a partner with S.U.C.C.E.S.S. An immigrant from China now living in Vancouver, I am proud to be able to add value to the business service links and market opportunities between China and Canada.”

Source: Chinese in Vancouver (July 12, 2010)

Canada ranks 3rd for Chinese tourists, survey finds is a post from: China Travel Trends

The Visa and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Asia Pacific Travel Intentions Survey 2010 has found mainland Chinese travelers plan to travel most out of all Greater China travelers.

The Survey, which was conducted in May 2010 and interviewed 1,571 people in the Greater China region, found that on average, mainland Chinese travelers are planning for 7.4 business and leisure trips in the next two years, compared with the 5.6 and 4.5 trips anticipated by Hong Kong and Taiwanese travelers.

The results also show that Greater China travelers are less affected by the economic climate than last year. In the 2009 Survey, 76 percent of Greater China respondents said economic uncertainties would affect their travel plans to the extent that they would either postpone their trips or choose less expensive destination options. However, this year, 50 percent of the respondents said they will travel irrespective of economic uncertainties.

In line with the 2009 survey results, Asia Pacific continues to be the number one destination region for Greater China leisure travelers over the next two years, followed by Western Europe and North America.

Richard Chang, Group Country Manager, Greater China, Visa, said: “This year the survey again highlights the strong intraregional travel preferences that exist among consumers in Greater China. Hong Kong remains a top leisure travel destination for mainland Chinese and Taiwan, while mainland China continues to rank as one of the most favorite holiday destinations for Hong Kongers and Taiwanese travelers. The survey findings provide insights on travelers’ behaviors and spending patterns of Greater China travelers, which enables travel industry players, government tourism agencies, and financial institutions to tailor their marketing strategies and satisfy the needs of overseas travelers.”

John Koldowski, Deputy CEO & Head, Office of Strategy Management, PATA, said, “The insights from the Visa Travel Intentions survey are useful to the whole industry in formulating strategies for sustainable growth. For instance, the survey tells us that countries in the Asia Pacific region will remain the top travel destinations for mainland Chinese visitors over the next two years. That, coupled with the fact that the mainland Chinese became the world’s fourth biggest tourism spenders last year, indicates that we must adapt to the needs of the growing number of affluent mainland Chinese, who have the discretionary spending power for leisure travel.”

The top five Asia Pacific destinations that Greater China leisure travelers surveyed were considering visiting between now and 2012 were:

Key leisure travel preferences for Greater China:

• Hong Kong remains among the top three travel destinations for mainland Chinese and Taiwanese travelers. Regular mainland Chinese travelers to Hong Kong prefer Hong Kong for its great food and shopping, while Taiwanese travelers like the food and the convenience of Hong Kong as a short haul destination.

• Thailand appears to be losing appeal as a holiday destination for Hong Kong travelers when compared with results last year, while the Maldives entered their list of top ten destinations for the first time.

• Australia and Japan have won the hearts of mainland Chinese travelers over Hong Kong as the destination more likely to be considered in Asia Pacific for the coming two years whereas Taiwanese travelers’ preference for Asia Pacific destinations such as Australia and New Zealand has decreased.

• The survey also shows that Macau has dropped down the priority list for all Greater China travelers, particularly for travelers from Mainland China.

The survey shows that across the region, Visa remains the most preferred brand for Greater China travelers as well as the brand most strongly associated with overseas cash access. 60 percent of travelers selected Visa as the preferred payment card for overseas purchases and cash access for international leisure travel.

The survey also reveals the different travel preference among Greater China travelers.

Profile of mainland Chinese travelers:

• Natural scenery, sunshine and beaches and new places are key hooks for mainland Chinese planning their holidays.

• Hong Kong has been the number one destination for leisure travel over the past two years, with repeat visits largely driven by great shopping, dining options and natural scenery. Australia and Japan are the top picks over the next two years.

• Mainland Chinese are willing to pay extra for good food, cultural experiences and exotic destinations. Mainland Chinese travelers also have a preference for environmentally friendly tourism and cultural immersion programs.

• Domestic vacations are also on the cards for mainland Chinese travelers. One in three intend to take four to six domestic holidays in the next two years with the key motivation being exploration of other parts of mainland China.

• Almost 80 percent of mainland Chinese travelers go online as their main source of travel information, more than travelers from any other part of the Greater China region. Popular online sources are online travel guides (general and search engine), travel forums and travel agent booking websites. Ctrip.com is the most visited

Profile of Hong Kong travelers:

• Overall, Hong Kong travelers evaluate the attractiveness of their holiday destination based on local cuisine, natural scenery and the novelty of the destination.

• Japan, mainland China, and Taiwan were the most popular destinations over the past two years and remain the top travel choices over the next two years. Repeat visits to these destinations were driven largely by enjoyment of the local cuisine and food remains a key draw for repeat visitors in future.

• Hongkongers will pay outside of their regular travel budget for food, exotic destinations and cultural immersion programs.

• 64 percent of Hong Kong travelers choose online as their main source of travel information. Online travel guides, travel forums and tourism bureau sites are key online sources with Priceline.com coming in as the most favored website. Facebook is popular across all demographic segments of Hong Kong travelers who want to share travel plans and experiences with friends.

Profile of Taiwanese travelers:

• Natural scenery, novelty and affordability of travel (including promotions and deals) are the principle motivators for Taiwanese deciding on a holiday destination.

• Mainland China, Japan and Hong Kong were the most visited destinations over the past two years. Repeat visits to Japan were largely driven by the local cuisine, its clean environment and the Japanese culture. Others revisited mainland China for the natural scenery, variety of states/ cities to visit, and great food and dining while great food and accessibility were the attractions in Hong Kong. Japan is the clear favorite for future travel.

• Taiwanese are willing to pay extra for exotic destinations, food and cultural immersion programs.

• Three in four consider the Internet as their main source of information, with Facebook being the most popular platform for sharing travel plans and experiences. The motivation to post holiday activities online is the same as with Hong Kong travelers – to document and share memorable experiences.

Source: eglobaltravelnews.com.au

Visa and PATA Survey: Mainland Chinese most frequent outbound travelers from Greater China is a post from: China Travel Trends

Internet users in China spend about 1 billion hours online each day, more than double the daily total in the United States—and that number will grow to well over 2 billion hours a day by 2015, according to a new report by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG). This report, titled China’s Digital Generations 2.0: Digital Media and Commerce Go Mainstream, offers a comprehensive study of online behavior in China based on quantitative data as well as interviews with nearly 2,000 people from 12 cities in 11 of China’s 22 provinces. It also illustrates these trends through in-depth profiles of individual consumers, allowing them to tell the story of China’s dynamic and complex market.

The report also reveals the explosive growth taking place in China’s e-commerce arena. In 2009, business-to-consumer and consumer-to-consumer transactions in China clocked in at a total of $37 billion, and BCG forecasts that they will surpass $100 billion in just three years. Many of the new industry giants of China’s online marketplace—Alibaba.com, Tencent, and Ctrip.com, among others—are homegrown players that have fended off tough competition from established multinationals.

Of course, China is an enormous country—but the explosive growth of the digital market isn’t due so much to demographics as to a behavioral shift: digital media and commerce have moved into the mainstream of Chinese Internet users’ lives. Specifically, these digital consumers are spending more time online to meet a more complex set of needs than ever before. For example, far more Chinese people use the Internet to communicate and seek entertainment than in other emerging markets. More than 80 percent of Chinese digital consumers use instant messaging, read news online, and stream or download music and video content via the Internet, and around half play games online. And Chinese consumers have “leapfrogged” over e-mail—only 53 percent of Chinese Internet users actively use e-mail, less than in any other major market. The average time online for Chinese Internet users increased from 2.4 hours per day in 2006 to 2.7 hours per day in 2009, compared with only 2.3 hours per day in the United States.

“We’re seeing a set of behaviors that didn’t exist a few years ago. And as a level of intense consumer activity shifts online, this is the beginning of a huge boom,” said David Michael, a senior partner in BCG’s Beijing office and lead author of the report. “The commercial relevance here is that a massive transformation in Chinese consumer habits is under way, and any company wanting to reach these consumers must first understand them.”

The majority of China’s digital consumption comes from those aged 35 and under, who make up 73 percent of China’s total online population and account for more than 80 percent of China’s online hours. Many of these users are sophisticated—well educated and with white-collar jobs. For instance, young professionals, who represent 6 percent of all Chinese Internet users, have a remarkable 99 percent penetration. They are also the heaviest users, averaging four hours a day online. Yet while urban users may be the early adopters, growth is increasingly coming from China’s vast rural areas. “Understanding the motivations and behaviors of these segments will be critical for businesses to tap into the potential that this trend offers,” explains Michael.

One of the specific trends explored in the report is the embrace of e-commerce among Chinese digital consumers. Some 8 percent of the Chinese population shopped online in 2009, compared with just 3 percent in 2006. “We’re at a tipping point in China in which consumers are crossing the threshold of trust and convenience—and each incremental transaction further entrenches the e-commerce impulse,” said Michael. “As disposable incomes increase, the potential for growth will rise dramatically.” But even for those consumers who are skittish about online-payment systems or seller fraud, e-commerce platforms are increasingly becoming a clearinghouse for product information. E-commerce adoption is estimated to jump to 19 percent of the population by 2012.

The report highlights the fundamental structural characteristics of the Chinese e-commerce market. Chief among them are the prevalence of consumer-to-consumer transactions, many of which take place at Taobao, an online auction site that is part of Alibaba Group. Consumers in China still prefer cash transactions, with only 20 percent using online payment systems. “The potential impact of these structural characteristics on conventional retailers should not be understated,” says Michael. “Many conventional retailers are starting to discover the plethora of Taobao sellers looking to compete with lower price points, or reaching out to different geographic regions, such as lower-tier cities and rural areas, that conventional retailers have difficulty serving today.”

The report also examines the booming popularity of social-networking sites in China, and the opportunities in online advertising. Throughout 2008, social-networking sites in China rapidly gained hold among university students and young professionals, and by 2009 Chinese Internet users of all backgrounds and age groups were active in their use. Meanwhile, as consumption of online news and other portal-based information has continued to climb, so too has the growth potential of China’s online-advertising market. Online advertising is taking share from magazines, newspapers, and TV, and will hit a projected 20 percent of total advertising in 2012, up from 8 percent in 2008.

The dominant digital players in the Chinese market are a crucial part of the story. Since BCG last conducted research on the Chinese digital market, in late 2007, the most successful local companies have roundly outperformed multinationals in every category of the Internet industry in China, driven by a deep understanding of Chinese consumers and by innovative approaches to meeting their needs. While interviews with consumers illustrate one dimension of China’s digital-consumption ecosystem, the rise of these digital giants also helps explain how monetizing Chinese consumer behavior can work, and the report offers case studies of how they have established their market presences.

According to Yvonne Zhou, a principal in BCG’s Beijing office and coauthor of the report, “Many consumer-oriented MNCs in China are operating under outdated assumptions about Chinese consumers’ media and shopping behaviors, and are not adapting their go-to-market strategies to reflect digital consumption patterns.” Any company committed to engaging Chinese consumers will need to grasp the trends and implications of the country’s Internet-usage patterns, which China’s Digital Generations 2.0 discusses in detail. Understanding the underlying needs and tastes of the different segments of China’s digital consumers is vital to crafting an effective approach to communicating with them. Companies that fail to do so are at grave risk of losing touch with one of the world’s most important growth markets.

Source: Boston Consulting Group, May 2010

Explosive Growth In Internet Use Is Fundamentally Changing China’s Economy and Society is a post from: China Travel Trends

ChinaTravelTrends.com, new interactive platform for China outbound tourism, launched in Berlin, with backing of PATA

Chinese affluent citizens increasingly like to travel abroad, but distrust official information.

With more than 50 million outbound travellers expected to leave China in 2010, the Chinese outbound market is attracting more and more attention of destinations around the world.

As part of the ITB Convention 2010, a workshop organised by the German-based COTRI China Outbound Tourism Research Institute and the Chinese company Dragon Trail, presented Social Media Marketing as the most promising way to reach the Chinese market. Greg Duffell, CEO of PATA and Geoffrey Lipman, Special Adviser to the UNWTO, supported this view in the panel discussion with Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt and Jens Thraenhart, leaders of COTRI and Dragon Trail respectively.

China is the country with the largest number of internet users in the world and has also developed into the largest tourism source market in Asia. With growing choice and sophistication of the Chinese travellers, destinations and companies have to use up-to-date communication to reach the attention and imagination of these high-spending customers. Facebook, Twitter and Youtube are banned in China, but their Chinese equivalents are getting even more traffic than the “western” services.

As Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt, director of COTRI China Outbound Tourism Research Institute, pointed out in his The Chinese Outbound market is one of the few source markets which continued to grow even during the global economic crisis. In 2009, more than 47.5 million Chinese travelled across the border, an increase of 4% compared to 2008. The Chinese government has recently declared to give more support to the growth of outbound tourism in the future with a least 9% more outbound travels every year planned. „In the year of transformation 2010, China remains the most important emerging market to regain lost ground“, Prof. Arlt pointed out.

Social Media are increasingly important especially for the younger, affluent and techno-savvy Chinese. Word of Mouth and Word of Mouse are key elements of reaching this crucial segment of the Chinese outbound market. It is also an excellent barometer of the rapidly evolving consumer trends and interests that are relevant for destinations seeking to attract a greater share of this market, as Jens Thraenhart,. Executive Partner of Beijing-based Dragon Trail illustrated in his presentation.

The workshop started with some personal remarks of Geoffrey Lipman, who shared his 25 years of experience in working with the Chinese government and the Chinese tourism industry leaders. In step with the Chinese economic miracle, China has build a tourism infrastructure from scratch, which now handles close to 2 billion domestic trips and is more and more embracing also outbound travel.

Gregory Duffell, CEO of PATA, remembered the audience however of the fact, that the Chinese tourists will not come automatically to a destination if they do not perceive to get the right treatment and the right products for their tastes and expectations. Nevertheless Duffell confirmed that PATA is putting special emphasis on China, which is also documented by the publications, PATA and COTRI have jointly published in the last few months.

The workshop concluded with all four panelist pushing a button to officially launch the the interactive platform for China outbound travel.

COTRI (China Outbound Tourism Research Institute) is the world’s leading independent research institute for research, consulting and quality assessment relating to the Chinese Outbound Tourism market.

Dragon Trail provides brand engagement solutions for hotel companies, tourism organization, and travel corporations, as well as small to mid-size businesses seeking to build a brand presence in China and connecting with consumers in China by leveraging social media channels and digital marketing.

www.chinatraveltrends.com is the new authoritative one-stop resource portal and travel industry community on China Outbound Tourism, organized jointly by COTRI and Dragon Trail.

PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) is a membership association acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry. PATA officially endorses and back ChinaTravelTrends.com – please see here for more information.

Attached photo:

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt (COTRI), Jens Thraenhart (Dragon Trail), Geoffrey Lipman (UNWTO) and Gregory Duffell (PATA) jointly starting www.ChinaTravelTrends.com at ITB Berlin, March 11, 2010.

Roundup: Western travel destinations aim for Chinese tourists

While last year’s drop in western outbound travel could be worrisome, many tourism professionals are developing new marketing skills to attract more Chinese tourists.

At the China Outbound Tourism Marketing Seminar on Thursday, an event held during the world’s largest tourism fair ITB in Berlin, travel professionals were provided with new insights on how to attract the Chinese market.

“In 2009 China was up 4 percent in both travel and spending while the rest of the world is down 4 to 6 percent”, said Professor Wolfgang Georg Arlt, founder of COTRI research Institute.

Getting over last year’s economic slump isn’t going to be easy, especially for the travel industry.

Professor Geoffrey Lipman, assistant-secretary general of the World Tourism Organization, told Xinhua: “Chinese outbound tourism is not going to be a cure for the weakened global tourism.”"It’s the whole economy that’s weak,” he said. “If the global economy rights itself over the next few years, tourism will come back.”This year’s ITB fair is putting a lot of emphasis on how to adapt to the post-crisis era.
Jens Thraenhart, founder of China Travel Trends website, sees social media as the most important tool in capturing new market share.

“There are 390 million online Chinese Internet users, more than in the United States and there are 42 million bloggers, which is more than Europe and the United States together,” Thraenhart said at the marketing event.
Thraenhart said that offering travel services only on English Web sites was not sufficient enough to attract Chinese travelers.

“People are going to have to tap into the Chinese social media landscape, like RenRen,” Thraenhart said. RenRen is one of the leading social networking Web sites in China.

Dominique Hertzer, an entrepreneur who studied Chinese and is building her tourism business in Germany, told Xinhua that “after attending this seminar, I have a new business model.’”I realize now that social media is the most important communication tool in the Chinese market,” she said.

Djibril Baba Taboure, who runs a business travel service company in Mali, Africa, said the lecture proved hopeful for his present business model.

“We are getting a lot of business people from China coming to Africa,” Taboure said. “And I hope Chinese tourists will come after that.”Lipman said that China “is one of those places that once you begin to understand it, you cannot get it out of your head.”"By 2020, China will be the largest inbound and outbound tourism market in the world,” he said.

Source:  TMC News (March 12, 2010)

CHINATRAVELTRENDS.COM DESCRIPTION

ChinaTravelTrends.com (Twitter: @CnTravelTrends) has been launched and managed as a free informational resource since the fall of 2009 by Dragon Trail, and now is being expanded as the new interactive platform for China outbound tourism, organized jointly by COTRI and DragonTrail.

ChinaTravelTrends.com is the one-stop resource website and community focused on China Outbound Tourism in English language, giving international travel and tourism organizations insights about the complexity of the China travel market and its online landscape. Information will include interviews, articles from contributors and experts, syndicated reports, marketplace of services, a community to connect with fellow professionals, industry surveys, and an expert panel.

ChinaTravelTrends.com includes the following services to bring together travel and tourism professionals via trade news, reports, networking and job opportunities, topical discussions, searchable archives, and reference directories.

1. Online Magazine: News, trends, and insight: original and articles aggregated from third party resources, written and complied by our editors and contributors. Articles are categorized and archived.

2. Resources: We provide links to other relevant websites and blogs, as well give access to reports and presentations for download as they become available. We will also provide directories of travel agents, tour operators, travel websites, as well as relevant service providers (at the discretion of the publishers).

3. Calendar of Events: To advance yourself or your company, we will inform about industry events.

4. Community: The integration of the ChinaContact community into ChinaTravelTrends.com at http://community.chinatraveltrends.com will enable members to connect, share ideas, and communicate.

5. Expert Panel: ChinaTravelTrends.com will appoint China travel and tourism experts and marketing specialists to serve on the China Travel Trends advisory board to share their insights so international travel organizations may understand and harvest the China Outbound Tourism opportunity.

6. Interviews: China Travel Trends will provide insights by interviewing experts via video, audio, or text.

7. Event Coverage: China Travel Trends is happy to send editorial staff to relevant industry events on behalf of the organizer to provide coverage via the ChinaTravelTrends.com website and its online presence, including community, Twitter feed, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Xing pages.

Contribution: We welcome contribution from individuals and companies to contribute relevant original articles, reports and presentations, as well as make us aware of third party articles and reports.

China Travel Trends is published in association with Dragon Trail, the premier brand engagement firm focused on travel and tourism, that increases brand awareness and revenues for travel brands in the Chinese market by leveraging emerging technologies and new media channels, and COTRI, the leading advisory and resource firm to assist travel and tourism organizations to cater to Chinese tourists.

ChinaTravelTrends.com will strive to offer you a brand new experience of acquiring accurate information, insightful analysis and report with regard to China outbound tourism, as well as more interactive and effective networking opportunities with the others around the world via social media. Also join our pages on Xing.com, LinkedIn.com and Facebook Groups and Facebook Pages, and follow us on Twitter @CnTravelTrends.

ITB Workshop reveals: Social Media Marketing is the best way to get the attention of the growing Chinese Outbound Tourism market is a post from: China Travel Trends

China’s persistent growth, despite the economic crisis, will bring close to 100 million households into the middle and affluent class over the next decade. Consumer spending power will double in nearly a quarter of China’s cities.

In The Keys to the Kingdom: Unlocking China’s Consumer Power, BCG’s analysis of disposable household income in China indicates that its rapid increase across the country has magnified the complexity that companies encounter in serving the emerging middle and affluent class as it expands out from the largest coastal cities to the northern and western provinces. According to coauthor Jeff Walters, by 2020 nearly 800 urban locations will have real disposable income per capita greater than Shanghai’s today. Even rural China can be an attractive market for some companies and an engine for growth after most of urban China has been reached. But with the highest incomes in some rural areas as much as 30 times greater than the lowest, picking the right markets to enter is critical.

China’s dynamic environment has implications for all companies. Those that have been growing need to ensure that they are building a sustainable economic model, not just blindly pursuing “white space.” Laggards can capitalize on market dynamics and quickly catch up to the leaders by winning in newly important locations. Market leaders will need to reevaluate their plans for resource deployment and expansion to maintain positions in markets where they are strong and establish new leadership positions in markets with rising spending power. Making the wrong decision today about regional expansion will impose a high penalty on a company’s ability to reach the most valued consumers in the future.
“In China, scale is king,” notes coauthor Hubert Hsu. “Not only must companies choose the right places to enter for long-term growth, they must cluster them to ensure competitive scale economies across China’s vast country.” That puts enormous pressure on knowing which locations are most appropriate for a company’s business model.

Lack of reliable data is often cited as an excuse for shortcutting this critical step. “Too often, companies use off-the-shelf statistics, highly generalized data on city rankings, or generic definitions of clusters instead of the complex analysis needed to accurately prioritize and group locations,” Walters points out. “That can result in a misallocation of funds in a market where competition is intense, regional variations are significant, and capable talent is scarce. Instead of simplistic approaches, companies need customized solutions for China’s dynamic market.”

In the report, BCG describes its new flexible and field-tested methodology for helping clients expand their geographic footprint on the basis of their specific business model and competitive dynamics. The methodology is supported by a proprietary analytic model for forecasting the size of different income segments through 2020 for all of urban and rural China, including some 650 cities and 1,600 counties. Companies can use BCG’s methodology to run a variety of scenarios on future economic growth and income inequality to stress-test results.

Source: Boston Consulting Group, March 2010

China’s Middle and Affluent Class Rapidly Expands – Consumer spending power will double in nearly a quarter of China’s cities is a post from: China Travel Trends

China’s position in the tourism development in the world has been rising, the fourth largest entry receiving country in the world and the largest exit tourist source country in Asia. From 2000 to 2008, the total revenues of Chinese tourism increased by 12.5% annually (by CNY). In 2008, China totally received tourists about 1.89 billion man-time, rising by 5.9% of last year, realizing the tourism revenues of 1.16 trillion CNY ?166 billion USD?, increased by 5.8% of last year.

The slowdown of economy growth negatively affected the tourism, leading to the slowdown of growth rate, even negative growth, especially in entry tourism market, exit tourism market and hotel industry etc. By contrast, domestic tourism market and scenic resorts were less influenced by the slowdown of economy growth

With the spread of international financial crisis, the unfavorable influences had clearly showed in Chinese tourism.

In 2008, the market scale of Chinese online tourism market was only about 500 million USD, however, its annual growth speed reached to 50%. Because the total demands for the abroad tourism market declined, the cost pressure for online tourism providers accelerated. Chinese online tourist enterprises reduced the investment in advertisement and marketing so as to maintain their finance.

Chinese online tourism is obsessed by two problems: incapable of product standardization and risks in payment. Facing the fierce competitions, the tourist booking websites will take more consideration in the newer services and broader marketing channels in order to find their market in various categories.

For example, a new online tourist model-trip search is springing up, such as www.qunar.com., which had already entered Chinese online tourism market.

Under the international financial crisis, it is predicted that online tourist booking services will gradually permeate into traditional tourist market, even expand the services by the establishment of travel agents. Meanwhile, traditional travel agents will provide online tourist booking services for their customers. From a long run, the integrators will be the winners in the future. The integration of online and offline services for customers will possibly dominate the market. With the revenue reduction of booking market in the market share, the tourist products will become the fastest growth business in online tourist booking market. Besides, providing online tourist route will be the transfer direction for online tourist websites.

Source: China Research & Intelligence

Chinese Tourism Industry under 2009 Financial Crisis is a post from: China Travel Trends

Social media remains the hot topic of the digital world and I often get asked about the various statistics involved. This in itself is fairly difficult, as this particular online sphere is constantly shifting, evolving and growing at an astronomical rate.

Bear in mind that these are relatively recent figures – in a few months time (or even less) a lot of it is likely to be obsolete –  but for now, I think they’re a great way of demonstrating the impact that social media is having in the digital landscape.

• Facebook claims that 50% of active users log into the site each day. This would mean at least 175m users every 24 hours… A considerable increase from the previous 120m.
• Twitter now has 75m user accounts, but only around 15m are active users on a regular basis. It’s still a fair increase from the estimated 6-10m global users from a few months ago.
• LinkedIn has over 50m members worldwide. This means an increase of around 1m members month-on-month since July/August last year.
• Facebook currently has in excess of 350 million active users on global basis. Six months ago, this was 250m… meaning around a 40% increase of users in less than half a year.
• Flickr now hosts more than 4bn images. A massive jump from the previous 3.6bn I wrote about.
• More than 35m Facebook users update their status each day. This is 5m more than towards the end of July, 2009.
• Wikipedia currently has in excess of 14m articles, meaning that it’s 85,000 contributors have written nearly a million new posts in six months.
• Photo uploads to Facebook have increased by more than 100%. Currently, there are around 2.5bn uploads to the site each month – this was around a billion last time I covered this.
• There are more than 70 translations available on Facebook. Last time around, this was only 50.
• Back in 2009, the average user had 120 friends within Facebook. This is now around 130.
• Mobile is even bigger than before for Facebook, with more than 65m users accessing the site through mobile-based devices. In six months, this is over 100% increase. (Previously 30m). As before, it’s no secret that users who access Facebook through mobile devices are almost 50% more active than those who don’t.

Okay, so now some new stuff that’s worth considering when looking at social media marketing :

Impressive stuff, but as always, take these stats with a pinch of salt. As before, no single piece of information can be used to base an online strategy upon, or be used as a forecast as to the direction a specific social media channel may take in the future – you need to fully understand your marketing and business objectives before launching off into this apparently vast space.

And just six months earlier, the statistics looked like this:

YouTube

• If YouTube were a country, it would be the third most-populated place in the world.
• 20 hours-worth of video is uploaded to the site every single minute.
• comScore recently announced that the site had surpassed 100m viewers in the USA alone. They also reported that this US audience consumed over 6bn videos at the beginning of this year.
• According to Youtube themselves, over half of users visit the site at least once a week

Facebook

According to Facebook’s internal statistics:

• The site has more than 250m active users globally
• More than 120m users log on to Facebook at least once each day and more than 30 million users update their statuses at least once each day. Combined, more than 5bn minutes are spent on the site on a daily basis.
• The average user has around 120 friends on the site.
• Every single month, more than a billion photos are uploaded to the site.
• More than 50 translations are available on the site, with more than 40 in development.
• Mobile is a big issue, with more than 30m active users accessing the site through mobile devices. It’s well documented that users who access Facebook through mobile devices are almost 50% more active than those who don’t.

MySpace

Twitter

• Over the past twelve months, Twitter’s year-on-year growth rate has broken the 1000% barrier.
• The company holds exact numbers close to their chest, but it’s estimated that Twitter currently has between 6 – 10m global users and this is growing rapidly.
• According to a recent report on Twitter usage by Sysomos, 5% of Twitter users account for 75% of all activity and that 72.5% of all users joining during the first five months of 2009.
• The same report found that over 50% of all updates are published using mobile and Web-based tools, other than Twitter.com’s own website.
• It also found that Tuesday is the most active day for Tweeting, followed by Wednesday and then Friday.
• Hitwise recently reported that one out of every 350 website visits in the UK is via Twitter, but barely 5% of users currently go to an online retail service through the medium.
• Not really a stat, but still quite a cool piece of info: Twitter is now officially a term in the English Dictionary.

Source: E-Consultancy (January 29, 2010)

Mind blowing Social Media Stats is a post from: China Travel Trends

China’s online travel market booming is a post from: China Travel Trends

The January 2010 “Statistical Survey Report on Internet Development in China” was recently published. The report itself is 90 pages long, but here’s what I think you might find most interesting…

Highlights

• Now 384 million Chinese internet users.
• Big jump in usage of social networking sites.
• Huge increase in the number of internet users that access the internet via mobile devices.
• Value of online shopping transactions doubles!

User Numbers

Another Year, Another 80-Something Million Internet Users

The number of Chinese internet users has now reached 384 million. Even though that’s 86 million more than there was last year at this time (see the full translated 2009 CNNIC report on Internet usage in China), that’s only 29% of the total Chinese population so we can expect this rapid growth in internet usage to continue. CNNIC considers an internet user to be anyone on the Chinese mainland over 6 years old that has used the internet at least once in the past 6 months.

Internet usage varies greatly across the different regions of China, in correlation with most other economic indicators such as GDP. In general, usage is highest in the Eastern coastal provinces and lower in the Western interior. Usage in Beijing and Shanghai is already over 60%. Note that Taiwan is included in the map below even though statistics for Taiwan were not included in the report.

Place of Access

Mobile Users Push Forth Increases in Internet Usage

The trend of “taking the internet with you” is becoming even more pronounced as seen by the sharp increase in the usage of mobile devices (99% increase) and laptops (42% increase) to access the Internet.

The number of internet users that access the internet via mobile devices has increased 120 million to 233 million. Only 8% of these users are only using a mobile device to access the internet – the other 92% are using a mobile device in addition to a fixed device.

The official release of 3G, more wide-screen and high-speed mobile phones, the network effect of more users coming online, and greater vendor promotion contributed to the quick increase in mobile usage.

Traditionally, one of the most noticeable differences in Chinese internet usage is the place of access – Internet cafes are hugely popular in China. However, this year also saw an increase in internet usage at home (to 83.2%) and at work (to 30.2%).

User Characteristics

There was an increase in proportion of users aged 30-39, an age group highly targeted by marketers due to higher disposable income.

The chart below shows income figures in Chinese Yuan. One American Dollar is currently worth 6.8 Chinese Yuan.

Usage

More search, more SNS, more shopping!

Based on CNNIC’s usage internet usage categories, the categories with the highest number of users were online music, online news and search engines. Last year’s most commonly used categories were online music, online news and instant messaging.

There are now 280 million search engine users in China, an increase of 39% from last year. More and more, search engines are becoming the gateway to the internet in China. Also, “due to the low-cost of search engine marketing, highly targeted target-customers, and their advantage of bringing easily seen marketing results, they are becoming more-and-more trusted by advertisers.” Interestingly, comScore showed an increase of only 13% in the total number of searches performed in China.

There are 176 million users of social networking sites (46% penetration rate.) There’s no rate of increase reported since SNS usage wasn’t recorded last year, but even just two months ago, CNNIC predicted the number of SNS users would be only 124 million at the end of 2009. (See a summary of the SNS report here. The number of forum users has stayed steady at about 120 million users.

Usage of business applications has jumped 68% while usage of online payment has jumped 81%. 108 million online shoppers in China pushed the total value of online shopping transactions in China to 250 billion Yuan (about 36.5 billion USD) – double what it was in 2008!

Report Summary

• As of December 31, 2008, the number of netizens in China reached 298 million. That is a 22.6% penetration rate, which is higher than the world average. This is 88 million (41.9%) more than in the year 2007. The number of Chinese netizens is still rapidly increasing.
• The number of broadband-using netizens reached 270 million, which is 90.6% of the total.
• The number of netizens that access the internet via mobile phones reached 117.6 million, which is a 133% increase over 2007.
• The number of rural netizens has increased rapidly to a total of 84.6 million people. That is an increase of 60.8% over 2007 and a much faster rate of increase than for urban netizens (35.6%).
• Considering the Eastern, Central and Western districts of my country, the number of netizens of provinces in the Western district increased the fastest.  The rate of increase for these provinces was 52% which is much greater than that of the Central district (40.6%) and Eastern district (39.3%).
• The fundamental internet resources of China have grown rapidly but unevenly. The growth of IPv4 addresses has not kept up with the increase in netizens for the past 2 years. If the growth of IPv4 addresses continues to trail the increase in netizens it will become a bottleneck for China’s internet development.
• The growth rate of the number of .cn domains and websites under .cn domains passed the overall average growth rate of websites and domains, becoming an important force in stimulating the growth of China’s internet resources.
• Online news developed rapidly in 2008. The usage rate of online news increased 5% in comparison to last year and the number of total readers of online news reached 234 million. The internet has already become an undeniable outlet for influencing public opinion.
• As an important application for user-created content, blogs have maintained a rapid growth rate since they first appeared. As of 2008, the number of Chinese bloggers has already reached 162 million.
• Of all the internet applications, online gaming ranks number six. For primary and secondary school students (grade 1-12), online gaming ranks number three. Online gaming is an important application for them.
• The three largest applications for university students are: online music, instant messaging, and online news. For university students, online news fell down one rank and online video rose one to take up the fourth spot.
• The following three user classes and seven groups can be made by combining the number of internet applications used and the amount of time spent online.
  1) Heavy users: they use the internet far more both in regards to the time spent online and the amount of applications they use.
  - Internet-dependent group: this group accounts for almost 11% of the total number of netizens. The most loyal users of the internet, they use more internet applications and spend the most time online each week.
  - Internet business group: with 6.7% of the total number of netizens, it is the smallest group. They are fairly similar to the internet-dependent group but spend much less time online and use far fewer applications. One of the biggest differences is that they almost never use forums. Their use of e-commerce, online trading and travel booking applications clearly outstrips their use of search engines, instant messaging, email and other fundamental applications.
  - Online social group: this group accounts for 12.3% of total netizens. Their use of social applications is clearly higher than the other groups. Their usage of instant messaging, blogs, forums, friend-finding websites^t1 and other social-type internet applications is clearly on the high side.
  2) Intermediate users: intermediate users are about average with respect to the number of internet applications they use and the time they spend online. Judged by the number of internet applications used, some users of this group are in a transition phase between moving from the light usage group to the heavy usage group.
  - Fundamental usage group: this group has grown to be the largest group and accounts for 21.5% of the total users. Their usage of search engines, email, instant messaging and other fundamental internet applications is far greater than average. However, their usage of other internet applications is clearly on the low side.
  3) Light users: they are far below the average both in regards to the number of applications used and the amount of time spent online. They have also been using the internet for the shortest time.
  - Self-display group: this group accounts for 12.6%. 100% of them use blogs, but their usage of other applications is clearly below average. This group uses an average of 5.3 applications and spends an average of 12.27 hours online per week.
  - Alternative online gaming group: 100% of users in this group play online games. They account for almost 18% of the total number of netizens. Besides video games, this group’s usage of other online applications is far below average.
  - Beginning users: this group accounts for 18.2%, which is almost as large as the fundamental user group. This group does not have any outstanding characteristics with regards to usage of internet applications. They spend the least time online and use the fewest internet applications. They have also been using the internet for the shortest amount of time. They are the oldest with an average age of 33. This group shows how the number of older netizens is expanding.
• Research on netizen lifestyle shows: the more heavy users there are, the higher the approval rate of the value of the internet as a life assistant and the higher the rate of trust and safety; another non-ignorable point is that the more heavy users there are, the higher the recognition that the internet may cause social isolation.

Source: East-West Connect (January 25, 2010)

Chinese Internet Usage Report – Jan 2010 – Summary and Insights is a post from: China Travel Trends

China National Tourism Association released some 2009 travel industry statistics (zh).   The report, translated by ChinaHospitalityNews, states:

The report reveals that China achieved total revenues of about CNY1.26 trillion from tourism  in 2009, which was an increase of 9% over that of the year before. During the year, China’s domestic travel continued its rapid growth, its inbound travel market resumed gradually and outbound travel market developed steadily.

According to the report, in 2009 China received a total of 1.9 billion domestic tourists, which was an increase of 11% over that of 2008. The country’s domestic tourism revenue reached CNY1 trillion, an increase of 15%. Its inbound tourist numbers reached about 126 million, a decrease of 3% compared with that of the previous year and its outbound tourist numbers reached about 47.5 million, an increase of 3.6%.

The full report can be found here (zh).  Here is a machine translated version (which isn’t great but you get the main points of the report):

Recently, the China National Tourism Administration to convene to analyze the tourism economy in the fourth quarter, according to Bureau of Exit-entry and exit statistics provided by the National Tourism Bureau and the National Bureau of Statistics Division and the Rural Division City conducted jointly by urban residents and rural residents in a sample of domestic tourism survey data, the National Tourism Administration Office of the Secretary for Information and Research Institute of China’s Tourism Tourism Economic Analysis report, the 2009 full-year operation of the tourism economy were analyzed.

First, the overall development of the tourism industry.

In 2009, China’s tourism industry in general to maintain a rapid growth in tourism to achieve a big increase in total revenue. Predicted that the annual total tourism revenue of approximately RMB1.26 trillion yuan, an increase of 9%.  Among them, the domestic tourism market continues rapid growth of inbound tourism market is gradually restored, stable development of outbound tourism market.  At the same time, tourism, a substantial increase in the scale of investment, business performance began to rise, tourism industry to further strengthen the leading role in economic and social.

Second, tourism development environment: a global international tourism began to boom with the economic recovery picked up the steady growth of the domestic economy has laid a foundation for rapid growth in domestic tourism.

Sustained by the financial crisis, the global economy in 2009 is expected to fall 2.2%.

联合国世界旅游组织公布，随着经济复苏的迹象日渐明显，全球入境旅游景气指数开始攀升，四季度达到92，比一季度提高35个点。 United Nations World Tourism Organization announced that as there are increasing signs of economic recovery, the global inbound tourism climate index began to climb the fourth quarter to reach 92, Biyijidu increased by 35 points.

World Tourism Organization, the number of incoming tourists to the whole world the latest forecast from the beginning of a decline of 8.4% adjusted to fall by 5% or so.  In the CPC Central Committee and State Council, under the correct leadership and continue to enrich China’s full implementation of the comprehensive response to the impact of the international financial crisis package, a good trend of economic recovery to consolidate economic and social development has achieved remarkable results.  China’s GDP growth is expected in 2009 will exceed 8%。 Steady domestic economic growth, supporting the rapid development of China’s tourism industry。 Mass domestic tourism market has become a solid foundation for the development of China’s tourism industry has maintained the momentum of vigorous development.

三、三大市场“两升一降”，国内旅游市场持续快速增长。 Third, the three major market “two liters a fall”, the domestic tourism market continues to grow rapidly.
1． 1. 国内旅游市场 Domestic tourism market
According to the National Tourism Bureau and the National Bureau of Statistics Division and the Rural City Division, which jointly carried out by urban residents and rural residents quarterly sample survey of domestic tourism in 2009, the first three quarters, the number of domestic tourists was 14.3 million passengers, compared with a year earlier, an increase of 9.4%; Domestic tourism income 767.3 billion yuan, an increase of 15.4%.  Based on projections, the number of domestic tourists throughout the year about 19 million passengers, compared with same period last year 11%; domestic tourism revenue is expected to exceed 1 trillion yuan, an increase of over 15%.

In 2009, the rate of urban residents traveling surge in first three quarters of excursion rates were 56.8%, 50.6% and 49.9%, 42.2% over the same period the previous year, 39.4% and 41.3% respectively, 14.6,11.2 and 8.6 percentage points higher; over night were 1445 yuan per capita spending, 1539 yuan and 1677 yuan, 1642 yuan lower than the same period last year, 1651 yuan and 1,690 yuan; day tour spending per capita were 306 yuan, 279 yuan and 283 yuan, a second-quarter basically the same as a year earlier, slightly higher in the third quarter, an increase of 9.5%.

The overall stability of rural residents travel rate, travel rate the first three quarters respectively, 35.8%, 25.6% and 24.6%, basically flat with a year earlier; per capita spending was 311 yuan, 275 yuan and 287 yuan, an increase of 16.2 a year earlier %, 2.2% and 7.8%.
2． 2. 入境旅游市场 Inbound Tourism Market
Exit and Entry Administration under the Ministry of Public Security to provide statistical data entry, as well as in 2009 in 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) carried out a sample survey of inbound tourists to spend data, in January 2009 to November, China’s 115 million tourist arrivals million, down 3%; entry number 46.45 million overnight trips, down 4.8%; tourism foreign exchange earnings from 36.23 billion U.S. dollars, down 3.9%.  Accordingly, forecast that the annual tourist arrivals of about 126 million passengers, down 3%; of which there were about 50.5 million overnight tourism trips, down 5%; foreign exchange earnings of about 39 billion U.S. dollars, down 4.5%.
2009年，入境旅游市场整体处于低位运行状态，除4月份和8月份分别出现2.2%和3.1%的短暂性增长，其他月份均呈下降态势，最大跌幅出现在3月的-11.3%，最小跌幅为10月的-0.8%。 In 2009, inbound tourism market as a whole is running low, except in April and August there were 2.2% and 3.1% of the short-term growth, a declining trend in other months, the biggest drop occurring in March to -11.3%, the smallest decline in -0.8% for 10 months. 但是从全年态势来看，月度降幅在不断收窄，整体入境旅游市场在逐步恢复。 But from the whole trend point of view, the monthly drop in the constant narrowing of the overall inbound tourism market is gradually being restored. 预计全年入境外国游客下降12%左右，香港和澳门游客分别下降1%左右，台湾游客增长约2%。 Predicted that the annual immigration of foreign tourists decreased by about 12%, Hong Kong and Macao tourists decreased by about 1% of the Taiwanese tourists increased by about 2%.
3． 3. 出境旅游市场 Outbound tourism market

Exit and Entry Administration under the Ministry of Public Security to provide outbound statistics, in January 2009 to November, China’s outbound 43.41 million passengers, an increase of 3.3%.  Accordingly, forecast that the annual number of outbound tourism was about 47.5 million passengers, an increase of 3.6%.

In 2009, outbound travel market in general is running smoothly, despite the May to July fell for 3 consecutive months, but began to accelerate growth in the third quarter and fourth quarter growth rate of nearly 9%, maintaining the number of departing throughout the year to achieve a certain level of growth , an increase of the overall trend has not changed.

四、旅游产业供给：投资规模大幅增长，产业发展更具活力。 Fourth, the supply of the tourism industry: a substantial increase in the scale of investment, industrial development more dynamic.

According to statistics released by National Bureau of Statistics, in January 2009 to 11 months, China’s urban fixed-asset investment grew 32.1%, which is closely related with tourism, accommodation and catering industry increased 38.6%, wholesale and retail trade increased 45.4%, 80.7% increase in rail transport, road transport increased 48.7%, urban public transportation increased 55.0%, water transport increased 35.5%, both higher than the national average.  Tourism-related industry, a substantial increase in the scale of investment, directly led to the rapid growth of investment in tourism, local tourism investment dynamic emergence of prosperity for tourism development has injected new vitality.

五、企业经营业绩：企业经营业绩开始回升，景区类企业经营状况较好。 5, business performance: business performance began to recover well in business class scenic areas.

According to statistics released by National Bureau of Statistics, is closely related with the tourism industry to maintain rapid growth in operating efficiency.  In January 2009 to 11 months, accommodation and catering industry sales grew 16.9%, wholesale and retail sales rose 15.3%, civil aviation passenger traffic growth of 19.6%.

Tourism management department to monitor industry information display, scenic class enterprise performance better than travel agents and hotel industries.  Among them, business conditions in the western region affected by the financial crisis better than larger central and eastern regions; urban and peri-urban scenic tourist attractions than the long-term management situation better; mature operating conditions of the top scenic spots in general than those without resources are better scenic spots .

Travel agents, due to sharp drop in inbound tourism business, pure inbound tourism to pick clubs and to inbound tourism-based small business travel agencies, due to product mix and a single, risk-resisting ability is weak, the most difficult operations, and as Taiwan Tourism The rise of Taiwan’s travel tour with a qualified travel agents operating conditions generally good.

Hotel regard, by the financial crisis, business-oriented hotel guests have been hit more than to leisure guests oriented hotel team; to immigration source market-oriented hotels have been hit more than for the domestic tourist market Lord of the hotel; foreign hotels have been hit more than the general-funded hotels.

The attached Table 1 in 2009 foreign inbound tourism market (see original report)

In 2009, foreigners entering the market as a whole was sluggish trend in the first quarter fell significantly, in addition to Russia, South Korea and Mongolia, the Japan, the United States, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Mongolia, Australia, Canada, Britain, Thailand, Germany, Indonesia, India and France and other major source markets, the largest year-year decline in January to March.  Into the second half, the admission of aliens overall market rise month on month decline gradually narrowing.  In July after some of the major source markets for a single month of positive growth for four straight months, U-shaped or V-shaped tracks are obvious.
Foreigners entering the market the whole year is expected to decline 12% or so.  16 major source markets, Russia, South Korea, Mongolia will reach double-digit decline, in which Russia dropped by more than 40%, South Korea down 20%; Indonesia, Canada and Malaysia is expected to achieve positive growth; Singapore, India is expected to flat ; the remaining major source markets decline narrowed to about 5%.

主要客源市场情况： Major source markets of:
Since entering the Japanese market in July to resume faster, increased considerably, the overall recovery trend is more evident. From October onwards, the total number of immigrants than South Korea, again became the largest source market.  Predicted that the annual inflow of roughly 3.3 million passengers, up by around 4% decline.

South Korea’s market drop of about 20%.  Narrowed in November fell 0.7% year on year, the future trend remains to be seen.

After the Russian market since November 2008 has been a continuous fall, since the 2nd quarter of 2009, there steady recovery trend.  April to August, the fourth consecutive month to keep chain growth, but still more than 40% year on year decline.

First three quarters of the U.S. market fell 6.4% in November year on year growth of 4.0%.  In December, by the U.S. economic recovery is weak and Christmas holidays, the impact of arrivals will not be significantly increased. Predicted that the annual inflow of roughly 1.7 million passengers, up by around 5% decline.

Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia in the first half compared with last year varying degrees of decline in September after the apparent recovery。 It is expected that the five countries with the annual number of arrivals in 2008 was essentially flat.

Australia, Canada and other markets in July a single month since four consecutive growth, the market was U-shaped or V-shaped trend, is gradually returning to normal growth track.

Britain, Germany, France and other markets experienced sharp decline after the beginning of the year, November has been fully achieved positive growth year on year recovery trend evident.

Report of 2 in 2009 Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan with the Mainland tourism market entry and exit conditions

2009 Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan inbound tourism market is “a liter of two down”, that is a slight rise in the Taiwan market, Hong Kong and Macao markets declined slightly.

Outbound tourism market is “two liters a fall”, that is the number of mainland residents to travel a substantial increase in the steady growth of tourism for mainland residents to visit Hong Kong and went to Macau, a small number of tourists despite the recent rebound, but the total trend is downward.

一、港澳台入境旅游市场 First, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan tourism market entry
1, Hong Kong: Hong Kong compatriots to leave the Mainland for changes in the market characteristics, namely, by the global financial crisis and the obvious impact of influenza A, 1 month to 3 months, May to July on the decline; 2 is a holiday excursion is the Hong Kong residents the necessary content, April Easter, August summer vacation in December for Christmas and a good growth in the Mainland; third, the economic recovery, the employment situation has brought the matter to enable Hong Kong to the mainland compatriots narrowed the overall decline in the trend.

Predicted that the annual number of arrivals in Hong Kong compatriots about 77.3 million passengers, down 1.3% over the previous year.

2, Macao: Macao compatriots number of arrivals was Xianyanghouyi trend.

Changes in its market characteristics, namely, during the economic downturn, going north to spend a marked increase; second is when the economy improves, labor tension, full employment, rising incomes, travel less.

Macao’s gross domestic product rebounded in the third quarter, government revenues, gaming and tourism revenues better than expected, the employment situation improved.

Meanwhile, Macao’s political activities in the second half more, the Chief Executive election, the fourth term Legislative Council election, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the return of large-scale series of activities and Macao compatriots to remain actively involved in local, travel less.

Predicted that the annual inflow of roughly Macao compatriots 22.7 million passengers, down 1.0%.

3, Taiwan: in 2009, the Taiwan compatriots in the Mainland was the number of shocks up momentum into the fourth quarter, the growth rate to accelerate.

First cross-strait relations have improved, so that more Taiwan compatriots on the mainland’s economic recovery and future development of the first full confidence in business travel is increasing; second cross-strait direct flights in 2009, a substantial increase in the frequency, variety, convenience, economy, transport and effective reduce costs, direct flights from Taiwan to promote rapid growth of the mainland market; third, two-way cross-strait tourism exchange and cooperation continued to deepen, to effectively mobilize the industry rushed to mainland China in Taiwan tourism initiative.

Predicted that the annual number of Taiwan compatriots entry more than 4.45 million passengers, an increase of 1.5%.

二、内地（大陆）居民出境赴港澳台旅游 2, Mainland China (mainland) residents to visit Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan outbound tourism
1, the Mainland residents to visit Hong Kong: Hong Kong in 2009 for the “individual visit” policy put in place and the signing of CEPA Supplement 6, is the number of mainland residents to visit Hong Kong tourism a major factor in the overall steady rise, although influenza during the epidemic on the Mainland Travel to Hong Kong to a greater impact, but the implementation of non-permanent residents in Shenzhen to Hong Kong to “personal visit”, Shenzhen residents from Hong Kong several times a year endorsement “individual visit” documents and other favorable factors have led to the annual number of tourists to Hong Kong to the mainland was steady growth. The whole year is expected to travel on the number of Mainland residents to visit Hong Kong will be more than 17.5 million passengers, an increase of 3.8%, the “individual visit” passenger growth expected to exceed 8%.

2, Mainland residents to visit Macau: by the global financial crisis and the impact of influenza, while the mainland to Australia since the second half of 2008 to implement the “individual visit” The new endorsement policy, the number of mainland residents to travel to Australia a big margin.
The whole year is expected to travel to Australia on the number of mainland residents will be more than 10.9 million passengers, down 6%.

3, the mainland residents to tour Taiwan: According to Taiwan statistics, in 2009 mainland residents to tour Taiwan 606,000 passengers (not including the number of study missions for the public), to achieve the beginning of 600,000 person-times of development goals, but the larger the magnitude of changes each month . 三四月份井喷式增长、五六月份受甲型流感影响跌至低谷、七月份开始反弹、八月份受“8.8水灾”影响再次下滑，11月开始全面复苏。 San Siyue cent growth spurt and Wu Liuyue were affected by the influenza A drop bottom, in July began to rebound in August by the “8.8 flooding” effect once again fell in November has begun to revive. With the variety of transportation and convenient travel to Taiwan, as well as the deepening of cross-strait exchanges, the number of mainland residents to tour Taiwan rapid growth trend will continue.

Source: Venture Sprout (January 9, 2010)

China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) releases 2009 statistics is a post from: China Travel Trends

Revenues accelerate at Baidu

Google is not on top everywhere. In China, homegrown search giant Baidu snaps up more than one-half of the market by catering to local needs.

According to Analysys International, search revenues in China reached RMB1.81 billion ($265 million) in Q2 2009 alone—a 33% increase over the previous quarter and a 47% increase over the same period the prior year. Baidu saw more than twice the share of those dollars as Google.

Popularity in the world’s largest country has made Baidu the third-biggest search property in the world, according to July 2009 comScore qSearch figures. Nearly 8 billion searches were conducted on Baidu.

The Chinese search market is vastly different from those in the US and Europe, said Pali Capital analyst and managing director Tian Hou on Silicon Alley Insider. She explained that Baidu has been successful because it has tailored its sales and marketing efforts toward small and medium-sized businesses, providing support and even helping those without Websites create them.

The strategy seems to be working, as revenues continue to accelerate into Q4, according to company reports. Total revenues for Q3 were RMB1.28 billion ($187.2 million), a 39.1% increase over the same period of the previous year. Baidu also disclosed that it has an active catalog of 216,000 online marketers who spent an average of RMB5,900 ($864) in the quarter—also up both year over year and quarter over quarter.

Robin Li, Baidu’s chairman and CEO, attributed improved revenues to the implementation of the site’s new online marketing system, Phoenix Nest. The streamlined bidding system had been adopted by 70% of marketing customers as of Q3 and contributed 20% of overall revenues.

Baidu also may receive help by adhering to strict censorship standards set by the Chinese government, while some international sites have run afoul of the “Great Firewall of China” before. According to The Wall Street Journal, when Google was blocked briefly over the summer, users were automatically redirected to Baidu.

Source: eMarketer.com ( December 14, 2009 )

Spotlight on China’s Homegrown Search Giant is a post from: China Travel Trends

Latest figures released by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) show that the numbers of international visitors to the Asia Pacific region* improved by a marginal 0.5 percent during the month of August 2009 compared to August 2008. However, figures recorded for the first eight months of 2009 in the same region show that international visitor arrivals are down, year-on-year, by some five percent.

Northeast Asia recorded a year-on-year increase of four percent in international visitor arrivals for August 2009 with growth in China (PRC) (+3 percent), Hong Kong SAR (+6 percent) and Macau SAR (+7 percent) pushing the aggregate figure into positive territory (at least in relative terms).

Arrivals to Southeast Asia grew by three percent in August, mainly supported by strong arrivals to Malaysia (+10 percent). Cambodia was the only other country in this sub-region with positive arrivals growth (+9 percent). Rates of decline in arrivals to Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam moderated – but arrivals to Indonesia fell by nearly six percent following the bombings in Jakarta in mid-July.

Arrivals to South Asia were down by four percent on a steep nine percent decline in arrivals to India. The smaller countries in the sub-region experienced increased visitor arrivals: Maldives (+1 percent), Nepal (+5 percent) and Sri Lanka (+34 percent). Declines in arrivals to the Pacific slowed to a marginal -0.5 percent year-on-year in August, partly helped by stability in arrivals to Hawaii. Visitor arrivals to the Americas fell by some six percent for the month.

John Koldowski, Director of PATA’s Strategic Intelligence Centre (SIC), says, “Care needs to be taken in interpreting the latest results as we are entering a period now where the comparative base of last year began its decline. Even mediocre performances now may look good against the backdrop of 2008.”

* 41 destinations as measured and reported in the PATA Annual Tourism Monitor

“The global economy appears to be slowly emerging from recession, albeit at a sluggish pace. It will certainly take some time to overcome the impact of this recession, particularly in relation to employment which in a number of countries continues to climb. The need to reduce the now large pool of recently unemployed, notably in the US, is paramount.”

About PATA

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a membership association acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry. In partnership with private and public sector members PATA enhances the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within the region.

PATA provides leadership and counsel on an individual and collective basis to over 80 government, state and city tourism bodies; nearly 50 international airlines, airports and cruise lines and many hundreds of travel industry companies across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. Thousands of travel professionals belong to nearly 40 PATA chapters worldwide and participate in a wide range of PATA and industry events. PATA’s Strategic Intelligence Centre (SIC) offers unrivalled data and insights including Asia Pacific inbound and outbound statistics, analyses and forecasts as well as in-depth reports on strategic tourism markets. PATA is a not-for-profit organisation. For more information, please visit www.PATA.org.

Positive Trends for Asia Pacific Tourism – but treat figures with caution is a post from: China Travel Trends

HONG KONG – Figures released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) yesterday, show that visitor arrivals to Hong Kong reached 2,250,718 in September, 2.5 percent more than in the same month last year. Cumulatively, arrivals from January to September totalled 21,159,973, with the year-to-date shortfall further improved from –3.4 percent in August to –2.8 percent in September.

HKTB said the increase in arrivals in September was mainly driven by continued gain in Mainland China, as well as seasonal growth in South and Southeast Asia. For Mainland China, with improved travel sentiments, the market achieved notable growth (+6.1 percent) over the large base in September 2008, when many Mainland travellers resumed their outbound travel post-Olympics.

As for South and Southeast Asia (+18 percent), arrivals were mainly boosted by the Eid al-Fitr holidays in various markets. Besides Indonesia (+87.6 percent), Singapore (+17 percent) and India (+14.9 percent) also showed remarkable growth, with the latter enjoying increased flight capacity since September 2009.

Taiwan and North Asia, however, continued their negative trend, as arrivals from the island were impacted by direct flights, while the weak Won in South Korea continued to take a toll on outbound travel.

Meanwhile, the shortfall continued to narrow in the long-haul market regions, with Europe, Africa and the Middle East achieving growth of 2.6 percent. The increase owed to the lower base of arrivals last September, when long-haul travel was affected by the dual impact of the Mainland visa policy and the global financial crisis.

Source: Travel Weekly (29 October 2009)

Hong Kong’s Visitor Arrivals Up in September is a post from: China Travel Trends

China Is the World’s Fastest Growing Outbound Travel Market

by Normandy Madden – AdAge China
Published: October 28, 2009

ORLANDO, Fla. (AdAge.com) — Nearly 500,000 mainland Chinese traveled to America last year, said the U.S. Travel Association. Visitors from China tend to come frequently and spend an average of 23 nights in the U.S.

They also spend more than people from any other country, an average of $7,200 each on accommodation, air travel, dining, shopping and gambling.

The U.S. Travel Association invited tourism officials from 30 Chinese provinces and the China National Tourism Administration to Orlando on Oct. 23-24, 2009, to discuss issues affecting both countries from the H1N1 flu to the Shanghai World Expo 2010.

Chinese travel to America has grown quickly. China only added the U.S. as an approved destination in December 2007, and recently expanded international marketing for Chinese group leisure travel from six provinces to 21, more than tripling access to America by its citizens.

With China’s growing purchasing power, rapid economic liberalization and relaxed restrictions on overseas travel, tourism has emerged as a new growth industry for China. The mainland has a middle class of more than 300 million people able to travel to the U.S.

America isn’t the only overseas country that Chinese are eager to visit. China is the fastest growing outbound travel market in the world. Close to 45 million Chinese traveled abroad last year, generating over $35 billion in tourism revenue, according to the market research firm Bharat Book Bureau. Interest in travel within China is also growing. China has one of the world’s largest domestic tourism markets, generating revenue of over $100 billion in 2008.

Source: AdAge China (October 28, 2009)

Chinese Tourists to U.S. Come Often, Stay a Long Time and Spend Heavily is a post from: China Travel Trends

Approach marketing in China from the inside-out, or risk being left outside the conversation.

With government shutdowns of Western internet services dominating the headlines, companies are reminded of the challenges of doing business in China. But it isn’t only the Chinese government causing problems for Western companies. Based on recent market research of China’s expansive online population, fundamental differences in the profile of Chinese netizens contribute to the difficulties of marketing in that country. Understanding these differences is the first step to a successful strategy.

Next is to reframe the standard tenets of marketing based on a genuine appreciation of netizen-consumers and the myriad places they share online. Let’s start with a look at some of the underlying differences in the Chinese online market…

First there are differences in demography. Companies need to think Young Urban Educated and Professional. Across each of these four characteristics, the Chinese netizen population — we call it the Chinese “Netpop-ulation” — differs sharply from that of the United States. Nearly three-fourths of Chinese netizens are under the age of 35; most live in urban areas — particularly the major cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong; 67 percent have college or advanced degrees; 62 percent are employed full-time.

Then there is the mobility issue. Nearly half go online regularly from a mobile device, spending the equivalent of just $8.00 per month on data services. (Americans spend $35.00.) Almost one-third go online from both a cell phone and smartphone. Internet cafes also proliferate in China’s urban centers, where an hour of time online costs the equivalent of less than 50 cents in the US (and connections run at much faster speeds). One-third of Chinese netizens use a public computer regularly to go online.

Between the heightened mobility and demographic make-up of China’s Netpop-ulation, many Western companies are already outside their comfort zone, treading into unfamiliar territory. (Sorry, but those age-old tactics to reach midwest soccer moms or suburban boomers do not apply.)

But wait. There’s more…

Third, and most important, are the social media behaviors that feed and fuel the consumer lifestyle in China. Ninety-two percent of Chinese netizens use social media — forums/bulletin boards, chats, blogs, micro-blogs, etc. These social media “conversations” are an integral part of the Chinese netizen experience. Compared to Americans, Chinese netizens are:

• Twice as likely to post to a forum
• Twice as likely to chat in a chat room
• Three times more likely to micro-blog
• Three times more likely to publish a blog
• Four times more likely to videoconference

Social media also has a direct impact on purchase decisions:

• Social media are twice as likely to influence purchase decisions in China as the US
• Consumer ratings and reviews rank second (behind search engines) as the sources that help buyers learn about new companies, brands or products

These findings show that Chinese netizens like to share information broadly and openly. Western companies must work harder to be a part of the conversation as the online population explodes and Chinese consumers look to each other when deciding which brands, products and services to buy. While Chinese consumers generally admire Western brands, this advantage may decline as Chinese brands move to community-based marketing tactics, built around Web 2.0 channels, displacing traditional media advertising tactics.

And herein lays the greatest challenge to Western marketers: Can a non-Chinese company or brand be embraced, deeply and authentically, by Chinese netizen-consumers? Is this possible when purchase decisions are so heavily influenced by an infinitesimal ocean of online and mobile exchanges? True, social media is infinitely porous and potentially penetrable. But, when Chinese netizens are themselves the media and the message, can Western companies engage successfully, in a way that is genuine and competitive against homegrown brands? Time will tell.

In the meantime, companies need to discard age-old approaches to advertising and marketing. Mind-share is not only about a message, a medium, or even a market anymore. It is about making sure your brand is a part of the community and the conversation. Think of it this way…

In the 21st century:

• The consumer is a friend
• The market is a tribe
• The message is a dialog
• The medium is anywhere and everywhere consumers live online

This thinking applies to the United States too, but the intensity of social media use, and the inherent challenges of penetrating the Sino-social-ecosystem loom large, making the need to develop new approaches in China all the more acute.

The sheer size of China’s internet population forces companies who would otherwise bow-out to stay in the game. And stay they must, but with a required attitude of openness to reaching China’s expansive online population from the inside-out. The lesson is clear: Approach marketing in China from the inside-out, or risk being left outside the conversation.

Findings are based on an online survey (n=4269) of broadband-enabled consumers representative of the Chinese internet population by age and gender. Special thanks to Grace Yao, research analyst at Netpop Research, for her contributions to this article. Findings are available in a report titled “The Great Social Wall of China,” available online at NetpopResearch.com.

The great social wall of China is a post from: China Travel Trends

The travel demand of Chinese people has kept ballooning with the increasing standard of living, and the traditional travel agencies can no longer satisfy the consumers’ demand. As a result, online travel booking has gradually become the choice of a majority of consumers due to its favorable prices and personalized travel routes.

In 2008, China’s online travel booking market scale totaled RMB2.98B, while the data from Analysys International shows that the figure grew by 8.5% in Q2’09 over the previous quarter and by 13% over the same period last year.

As is known to all, Ctrip.com is the bellwether in China’s online travel market, closely followed by eLong.com and Mango.com. The three operators combine to take up over 70% of the online travel market in China. However, compared to Ctrip.com, which takes a lion’s share of 50%, eLong and Mango still lag far behind. The remaining market share of less than 30% is split among ET Solution (China), Auyou.com, 17u.cn, Tuniu.com, Qunar.com, Lotour.com, and other websites.

Overall, the business model of Ctrip.com may be boiled down to an online hotel and air ticket distribution platform. The business model of Mango.com belongs to the online service offered by the traditional travel service provider (China Travel Service (Holding) Hong Kong Ltd.), while Auyou.com is a website under the flag of China CYTS Tours Holding. In addition, the online travel platform modes include the B2C mode adopted by Lotour.com and 51766.com and the B2B mode employed by 17u.cn. These websites usually start business with travel information, and then do the online travel supermarket business. Of particular note is that the travel vertical search websites, including Qunar.com and Kuxun.cn, have also attracted enormous attention.

In 2008, 17u.cn obtained a capital injection, and has become the only travel e-commerce platform with two platforms - the B2B platform for enterprises and the B2C platform for travelers. Wu Zhixiang, CEO of 17u.cn, once worked for Alibaba.com. He cleverly combined the e-commerce mode of Alibaba.com and the travel industry in pursuit of change and innovation in many aspects. So far, 17u.cn has cooperated with more than 40,000 travel service providers in China.

Similar to 17u.cn, Tuniu.com has also had its unique way - selling complete travel routes on the Internet - while many websites have followed suit to implement the call center + Internet mode adopted by Ctrip.com and eLong.com. In reality, the online travel booking is relatively easy to make a profit from the hotel and ticket reservation, and thus adopted by Ctrip.com and eLong.com. The travel route reservation as the main profitability mode is still rare in the industry. As a result, Tuniu.com has no physical stores of traditional travel agencies but owns complete routes, featuring low price and material benefits of the online marketing while being more vivid and detailed than the hotel + ticket mode. This is also why the investors favor Tuniu.com, which has begun to make a profit.

Additionally, Qunar.com has also implemented a unique mode among its like - the search engine service provider in the online travel booking industry, so it is an information service provider, rather than a service commodity provider. The business model of Qunar.com is very clear - that is, the search advertisement word and agency distribution income. Its success lies in two aspects: first, it owns some technical advantages. Its back-end search capacity is unquestionable, and the webpage interaction and UI are also excellent with the extensive application of the Ajax technology; second, ‘where to go’ is a driving force along the industrial chain in the industry, and the comparison search engine has a vast space of survival.

At present, there are also some other active websites in China’s online travel booking market, such as Lotour.com, 51766.com and 9you.com. Basically, they have started with travel information, and then developed the booking business. For example, Lotour.com was formerly the travel channel of Sina.com. Their business model is mainly based on advertisements. Moreover, hotel and ticket reservation also contribute to their profit, supplemented by the membership fees and commissions paid by travel service providers. However, few of them have made a profit through the travel route reservation. The contraction of the advertising business in recent years has imposed a negative impact on their income to some extent, while the profit size largely depends on the scale of hotel & ticket reservation.

The author believes that travel is a lifestyle, which involves a process of cultivation. Go2eu.com is such a good example. It has instilled a concept of cheap travel among consumers to realize the most comfortable travel in the most cost-effective way. The investors are now paying more attention to their investments in travel websites, as the domestic online travel booking market still fails to realize the standardized reservation and the explosive profit growth. At the same time, many travel websites are exploring their development direction, and are in the process of transformation.

In the past decade, China’s travel industry has developed at an extremely fast speed. We believe the listed travel companies like Ctrip.com will not be the last one. The online travel booking market is set to embrace a promising future.

Source: Zero2IPO (October 15, 2009)

Development Trend of Online Travel Booking in China is a post from: China Travel Trends

Figures released today by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) show that the numbers of international visitors to the Asia Pacific region* fell by an estimated six percent in July 2009 compared to July 2008, an improvement over the months of May and June which recorded year-on-year reductions of 10 percent and eight percent respectively.

More importantly, international arrivals to South Asia showed a year-on-year increase of two percent in arrivals for July 2009, a result partly boosted by increased travel demand to Sri Lanka (+28 percent) and Nepal (air only, +10 percent). India, the dominant destination for foreign arrivals into South Asia, also reported its second straight month of improvement, albeit marginally. Similarly, arrivals to Southeast Asia appeared to also be on the mend as the year-on-year rate of decline slowed to less than minus three percent, due mainly to the much improved but still negative results from Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

International arrivals to Northeast Asia were down by about six percent in July, depressed by the double-digit declines for arrivals to Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Japan. The overall rate of decline for Northeast Asia was mitigated by a smaller fall in travel demand for China (minus three percent) together with increased demand for Korea (ROK) and Chinese Taipei, where growth for the month was recorded at seven percent and 13 percent respectively.

The Pacific recorded an aggregate international visitor number drop of five percent in July, a result driven in part by a steep fall in arrivals to Australia (–12.8 percent).

According to John Koldowski, Director of PATA’s Strategic Intelligence Centre (SIC), “These latest results confirm that the prevailing depressed market conditions are still having an impact on international travel flows and, while the global economy appears to be showing signs of renewed activity in some areas, it is doing so at a sluggish pace. The reality is that there is no quick fix for the travel and tourism industry. We are still fighting to get back to ground zero.”

* 41 destinations as measured and reported in the PATA Annual Tourism Monitor

About PATA

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a membership association acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry. In partnership with private and public sector members PATA enhances the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within the region.

PATA provides leadership and counsel on an individual and collective basis to over 80 government, state and city tourism bodies; nearly 50 international airlines, airports and cruise lines and many hundreds of travel industry companies across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. Thousands of travel professionals belong to nearly 40 PATA chapters worldwide and participate in a wide range of PATA and industry events. PATA’s Strategic Intelligence Centre (SIC) offers unrivalled data and insights including Asia Pacific inbound and outbound statistics, analyses and forecasts as well as in-depth reports on strategic tourism markets.  PATA is a not-for-profit organisation. For more information, please visit www.PATA.org.

Asia Pacific Tourism Trending Upwards is a post from: China Travel Trends