TUI to sell ‘Western-style’ beach holidays to Chinese
TUI has extended its joint venture with Chinese firm CTS by 15 years to 2033 with the aim of winning an additional one million customers and boosting its turnover by one billion euros by 2022.
TUI China was established 14 years ago by TUI and CTS and has offices in Bejing and Shanghai.
The company intends to expand its business further into southeast Asia to satisfy a new thirst amongst Chinese customers for beach holidays.
"We are seeing new travel trends, in particular among young Chinese travellers," said TUI Group CEO Fritz Joussen. "For a long time, the focus was on city breaks, culture and shopping. Young Chinese consumers are now discovering ‘Western-style’ sun and beach holidays, sports, wellness and relaxation.
"We already take European tourists to China, while Chinese tourists are travelling to Europe with us.
"In future, China will be a travel hub within Asia. We are aiming to offer Chinese customers holidays in Malaysia, Thailand or Vietnam the way we are offering travel within Europe for German, French or Swedish customers," said Joussen.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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