As many of you know, the Chinese visitor market to the United States is growing every year. Double digit growth every year since 2009 means more and more attractions will be welcoming these guests. As the Chinese first started to visit the United States, they ventured to Los Angeles, Las Vegas and the popular National Parks. On the East Coast, New York City was on the top of the list. As the Chinese come back for their second or third visit, they are getting adventurous and heading out to smaller cities and rural areas.
And how do they find out about these destinations? From tour operators that specialize in the Chinese market. There are tour companies based in New York City/New Jersey as well as Los Angeles. Organizations such as NTA ( National Tour Association) and North American Journeys RTO Summits actively recruit Chinese tour operators to their trade shows so they can learn about new destinations, hotels and attractions. If you are looking to make gains in this market, you will need to go to on sales calls or attend a trade show to meet with the operators. Want to stand out? Here are some of the best ways.
- Chinese language business cards. Have your business name and your name translated to Mandarin. Simplified Chinese is the language for China, and traditional Chinese is most common in Taiwan. Simplified Chinese is appropriate for the business cards. Have several Chinese operator friends check the translation before you print them -there can be minor discrepancies on the interpretation. Once you have them printed, check out this video on how to exchange business cards with Asian business people.
- WeChat profile. WeChat is the most popular social media in China- and it is quickly taking over the world. It combines elements of Facebook, Twitter, Skpe and Instagram and all the posts can be seen in China. It is free to set up a profile on WeChat and you do not have to speak Mandarin to do so. Make sure to post a picture of yourself, and use a picture of your business as the background. Adding your WeChat name to your business card will ‘Wow’ the Chinese operators. It lets them have a way to keep in touch with you that is more in line with their culture.
- Gifts. China a a gift giving culture and the wrapping and packaging of the gift is as important as the gift itself. Have a supply of small but thoughtful gifts to give out when you are meeting tour operators. Wrapping a gift in red or gold paper is considered special as well.
Need some convincing on the growth of this market? Check out this report from the National Travel and Tourism Office. Let me know what you think!