How to Get Ready for the Return of the Chinese Traveler
Skift Take
First Things
On Wednesday, we published a deep dive into Chinese outbound tourism by Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia. The spark of the story came from a discussion she had in December with Trip.com Chief Operating Officer Schubert Lou at Skift Global Forum East. "The article is an attempt to cut the clutter and talk about how the Chinese tourist has changed and how destinations should approach this change," Bhutia told me this week. "Also, call it perfect timing, the deep dive came out the day China removed its final Covid-induced hurdle for travel and resumed issuing tourist visas."
Take the time to read it this weekend.
Speaking of time, you're almost out of time to register for Skift Future of Lodging Forum in London on March 29. We’ve added new speakers and settled the full agenda, which you can see here. Early-bird pricing is over, but readers of this weekend roundup can save 15% off with the promo code WEEKEND.
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Data
Chinese Outbound Travel Intent
With nearly every international door now open, Chinese travelers are ready to travel. Read the full report now.
Skift / Dragon Tail Research