Expedia Group study: Chinese travelers crave more tech in US hotels
Expedia Group and market research company Ipsos has shone a light on current US accommodation trends for the Chinese market.
The Hotels.com Chinese International Travel Monitor reveals the changing habits and lodging preferences for the world’s largest travel population.
China is the world’s biggest outbound travel market with 130 million outbound trips in 2017, generating more than $258 billion in travel related spending, according to UNWTO.
It is being fueled by Chinese millennials, who have increased their travel spending in the past year by a massive 80%.
The US represents their fourth largest market spend and is the longest stay on average of more than eight days.
The study found Chinese travelers spent $30 more per day on accommodations than the previous year and 55% stayed at locally-inspired independent hotels, compared to 49% at internationally recognized chains.
It found a third tried boutique hotels and 23% stayed at eco-friendly lodgings.
Wi-Fi was the key amenity for 60% of Chinese travelers, followed by in-hotel dining options, and room service.
The stats show how hotels and destinations can optimize concierge services better tailored to the China market.
The most popular destination experiences among Chinese travelers include local food tasting (69%), sightseeing and shopping for authentic local gifts.
The study says 36% are planning a visit to the US in the next year, which will be a first-time trip for 26%.
The seventh edition of the study provided insights into areas US hoteliers can improve the overall experience for Chinese guests, such as tech improvements like wider adoption of QR codes and China-centric mobile payment platforms.
Chinese travelers also expressed a preference for more Wi-Fi and restrooms in hotels.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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