CHINA still remains an attractive longhaul destination for tight-budgeted buyers from the US and Europe despite the economic crisis.
Andrew Davis, vice president, Global Accounts, HPN Global, said: “The appeal of China is still strong in the US. Airfare from the US to China is cheaper than to Europe, and hotels (in China) are inexpensive.”
Rachelle Jailer Villadares, managing director, Venue Guru International UK, said: “China’s room rates are lower than France, although clients may pay less for airfares within Europe.”
Giavanna Brunet, senior incentive manager, Communication & Training Italy, said: “China is appealing (for Europeans) because it is safe and value-for-money. The financial crisis is still affecting our (European) clients. They now have limited budgets, but still require the same value.”
Even though prices in China were lower than in Europe, the longer travel time meant that clients were expecting a better experience, said Brunet. “While prices are still good (in China), I have noted that hotel rates and F&B costs have increased over the last two years,” she said, adding that she hoped suppliers would maintain their prices.
Mireille Berstein, general manager, MHB Congress International France, also expects Chinese suppliers to maintain ground prices to keep business from Europe going.
“Hotels in France are also reducing their rates to (try and keep the market at home), so there is competition. The good thing is that airlines are reducing prices,” she said.
Read more in TTG Show Daily – IT&CM China 2012
