ATM Virtual reveals that 45% of Chinese are willing to travel overseas, as per a survey

A joint survey conducted by the Ivy Alliance Tourism Consulting, China Comfort Travel Group (CCT), and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), was discussed by a panel of experts during the three-day ATM Virtual event. The Virtual ATM China Tourism Forum, took an in-depth look at the potential of the Chinese outbound leisure market post COVID-19’s closed borders and what overseas destinations and attractions can do to reassure and convince Chinese tourists, that their destination is safe to visit.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director Middle East, Arabian Travel Market, said, “In China we are already witnessing the green-shoots of recovery and many industry experts are looking to China to kickstart international tourism.”

Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman, International Institute of Peace for Tourism (IIPT) and former Secretary General of the UNWTO said, “After 9/11, people had to get used to security restrictions such as removing their shoes and belts, no liquids, now that is a way of life. People are now afraid to travel, but things will change, new protocols will be introduced and the quicker that happens the more trust and confidence will be communicated, bringing travellers back.”

Helen Shapovalova, Founder & Director, Pan Ukraine commented Shopping has always been a top attraction for Chinese tourists especially “luxury goods and Lisa Dinh, expected changes here as well, balancing risk management with the customer experience. “Trust is the new currency. The demand is still there, but health and safety and relationship building will be key. Training will be essential to changing mindset.”

Returning to the survey, nearly half of those questioned said they preferred group tours but given the coronavirus outbreak, many Chinese would now travel, in smaller groups catering for better social distancing.
Tony Ong, Chief Business Officer and Vice President of HCG International Travel Group remarked, “Groups will be smaller, reduced to 10-50 people, which will probably happen one to two months after the borders have opened.”