Several hotel and leisure advisors and hotel chain reports point to larger numbers of Chinese travelers to the USA this year and beyond. In one report, which was recently published by the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, the Pacific Coast of the United States, and especially California, are expected to attract the majority share of these visitors from China. Here are some highlights from a recent article in HotelNewsNow.com along with a link to the above study: “Some of that increase is due to a Memorandum of Understanding which in 2007 opened group leisure from China to the United States. Previously only individual tourists and group business could enter the U.S., said Julie Heizer from the U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries during a breakout session at the 2011 International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show.” “The move, in part, helped fuel a 53% increase in Chinese visitors to the U.S. from 2009 to 2010.” There are also important tips by a Hilton chain executive and hotel and leisure advisors here on what marketing channels are important and how the Chinese are using social media to decide where to travel and stay. Added to this is President Obama’s travel initiative which was announced last month. In it, “He directed the State Department to accelerate the ability to process visas from China and India by 40%,” which I believe you will find of value in preparing and updating your business plan for hotel sales and marketing. There is also monthly advice for a hotel sales plan at our INNsider newsletters. Or, if you need immediate help, please contact one of our hotel and leisure advisors below.
