The Turkish Hotel Association (TÜROB) President Müberra Eresin has highlighted the nation’s ambitious goals for attracting Chinese visitors. Speaking at a meeting organized to explore collaboration opportunities with Trip.com, one of the world’s leading travel platforms, Eresin expressed optimism about the significant increase in Chinese tourists by 2024. This move is set to invigorate the tourism sector in Turkiye, leveraging the robust capabilities of Trip.com in the process.
The event held at the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus Congress Center, began with opening speeches by TGA Deputy General Manager Dr. Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu, TÜROB President Müberra Eresin, and Trip.com Vice President Amanda Wang, featured a detailed presentation by senior officials of Trip.com about the company’s operations.
The collaboration aims to enhance Turkiye’s visibility on Trip.com, thereby tapping into the platform’s extensive user base. With Trip.com’s influence, Turkiye intends to elevate its status as a preferred destination among Chinese tourists. This strategic partnership is a testament to Turkiye’s commitment to expanding its tourism sector, especially focusing on the lucrative Chinese market.
Turkiye’s tourism industry has been a vital part of its economy, and the influx of Chinese visitors is seen as a key growth area. Eresin pointed out that Chinese tourists are among the world’s highest spenders in international travel, with an average expenditure of up to 3,000 USD per person. This spending power positions the Chinese market as a significant contributor to the tourism economies of many countries, including Turkiye.
The demographic profile of Chinese tourists is also evolving. Younger generations, particularly those aged between 25 and 35, are increasingly active in international travel. Moreover, there is a rising trend of individual or small-group travel among Chinese tourists, who are seeking luxurious experiences, high-end accommodations, and unique cultural and adventure opportunities.
TÜROB members, along with representatives from Trip.com, discussed various strategies to attract this demographic. Eresin emphasized the importance of catering to the changing preferences of Chinese tourists, which include a shift towards individualized travel experiences over traditional group tours.
Turkiye’s proactive efforts in marketing and promoting its tourist destinations in China have been uninterrupted, even during the pandemic. The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, along with the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), has been instrumental in these endeavors. These efforts have been complemented by increased flight connectivity, with Turkiye’s flagship carrier Turkish Airlines and several Chinese airlines enhancing their routes to Turkiye.
Although the current number of Chinese visitors to Turkiye is still below the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, there has been a noticeable uptick in 2022. Eresin shared that while the numbers have significantly increased compared to the previous year, the goal is to surpass the 2019 figures and reach a target of 600,000 Chinese visitors in the short term.
Additionally, Turkiye is enhancing its infrastructure to accommodate Chinese tourists better. This includes training for Chinese-speaking personnel and integrating payment systems familiar to Chinese consumers, like AliPay, WeChatPay, UnionPay, and QuickPass. Such initiatives are crucial for creating a welcoming and convenient environment for Chinese visitors.
Cities like Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya are being positioned as key destinations for Chinese tourists. These locations are renowned for their rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and modern amenities, aligning well with the preferences of Chinese travelers looking for an eclectic mix of tradition and luxury.
In conclusion, the partnership between TÜROB and Trip.com marks a significant milestone in boosting Chinese tourism to Turkiye. With concerted efforts and strategic planning, Turkiye is well on its way to becoming a top destination for Chinese travelers, contributing substantially to the country’s tourism revenue and cultural exchange.
