How Can the UAE Attract More Chinese Tourists? Should the UAE Hospitality Industry be Targeting ? | Page 5

3) Create travel packages
Dubai and Abu Dhabi should offer group packages catered to Chinese tourists.
According to a report by Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), many Chinese leisure
travellers prefer packaged group trips. The latter provides them with the comfort of a
guide who speaks a familiar language and fellow tourists who they can communicate
with. It also provides tourists with reduced air fares, lower accommodation rates and
discounted ticket pricing for entertainment. Despite lower costs per traveller reducing
benefits for the destination market, the destination would benefit from large visitor
volumes. Although travel preferences are changing, and millennials prefer individual
trips, the latter would help capture previous generations that represent a significant
portion of the Chinese population.
4) Increase number of flights to major Chinese cities
A factor that the UAE can use to their advantage is their airlines, which are known to be
some of the best in the world. By increasing the number of flights from key cities in
China, they are likely to attract more visitors. Philippine Airlines has recently done
something similar. They announced their plan to increase flights from China to boost
tourism. Additionally, airlines should also invest in advertising themselves in China to
raise awareness. They may also include Chinese food and Mandarin-speaking staff on
board to ensure a luxurious yet familiar environment for tourists.
5) Organize Chinese holiday festivities
The UAE should take into consideration Chinese holidays, which typically differ from
Western holidays. They should introduce special rates and packages for holidays such
as Chinese New Year. Discounted rates for attractions and celebratory performances
would further enhance the experience. In 2017, Thailand announced a tourism festival
during the Chinese New Year.