Despite losing its VAT-free shopping status for tourists, the UK managed to attract Chinese tourists during the Golden Week shopping festival. While it ranks third among European destinations for Chinese shoppers in terms of transaction value, behind France and Italy, this is still a significant accomplishment considering the competition.
Other European countries like Spain and Switzerland also remained popular choices for Chinese tourists during the holiday period. However, what is interesting is that Asian destinations such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia also attracted Chinese shoppers.
It is even more intriguing to see the increase in Chinese tourist spending in lesser-explored destinations like Estonia and Qatar. This shift in travel preferences indicates that Chinese travelers are seeking new and unique experiences.
During the first five days of China’s National Day holiday, Chinese outbound travelers spent more compared to 2019 levels. The majority of their spending was on purchasing goods, particularly skincare products and duty-free items. Food and beverages, as well as accommodation, were also significant categories of spending. It is clear that Chinese tourists are indulging in shopping once they arrive at their chosen destinations.
In addition, Alipay, a popular mobile payment platform, highlighted the preferences of Chinese tourists. They value personalized services such as Chinese-language shopping guides and exclusive offers. Therefore, local merchants aiming to attract Chinese tourists should consider offering Chinese mobile payment methods and other value-added services tailored to their needs.
Despite the end of VAT-free shopping impacting the UK’s appeal to Chinese tourists, it is evident that the country still holds its allure as a shopping destination. As Chinese travel rebounds and gains momentum, it is crucial for merchants and businesses to adapt to the preferences of this lucrative market segment.
Useful Links:
– [Chinese Tourism in the UK](https://www.visitbritain.org/markets/china/chinese-tourism-uk)
– [Tips for Attracting Chinese Tourists](https://www.chinamarketingtips.com/how-to-attract-chinese-tourists-to-your-business/)
