'New generation of tourists' driving growth

A “new generation of Chinese tourists” is fueling robust growth for the country’s tourism market, but the opportunities may be mainly for the budget airlines and hotel chains, consulting firm Mintel said.

“Strong recent growth in China’s domestic tourism market has driven the rapid emergence of large scale budget hotel chains,” said Matthew Crabbe, research director of the company’s Asia-Pacific region.

More than 60 percent of the 2,773 Internet users aged between 20 and 49 who booked a hotel in 2013 interviewed by the company considered hotels as a place to a sleep only while traveling, and all they wanted was a sound sleep and a clean and safe room.

And 58 percent of the interviewees said they would stay at one hotel for no more than five days, which Crabbe said is a result of a tight budget.

“This presents an opportunity for hoteliers as long as they reduce the cost for a longer stay,” he added.

Rather than well-known hotel brands and official star ratings, good online customers reviews are the most important factor in choosing a hotel.

In terms of transportation, price remains the biggest concern when choosing airlines.

“Chinese airline companies should adapt to changes in the market, and tap into the potential of tourists with lower incomes, which is a fast growing market,” said Xu Ruyi, deputy research manager of Mintel.

The company defines “the new generation of Chinese tourists” as those who travel mainly as individuals rather than in a group and are interested in trying new things.