WITH its outbound group travel business from China rising 14 per cent last year, Kuoni Group Travel Experts (GTE) has strengthened its China network by opening an office in Chengdu.
Kuoni GTE’s China network is centralised in Hong Kong, with local representatives in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and, since last Friday, Chengdu.
Chengdu is the fourth most populous city in the mainland, home to some 14 million people and the production facilities and offices of multinational corporations.
Passenger traffic through Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport exceeded 31.6 million in 2012 with plans in place to increase that number to 40 million by 2015.
Said David Painter, CEO of Kuoni GTE based in London, in an email interview with TTG Asia e-Daily: “Although many travellers come from Beijing and Shanghai, second-tier cities – 160 of them with populations of one million or more – are increasingly the focus for international investment which is helping to increase disposable income and drive the growth of a wealthier middle class.”
He added: “Having people throughout mainland China helps us to build local relationships, serving potential clients more efficiently by directing them to our Hong Kong and worldwide offices which can provide quality group travel options. Chengdu follows a similar investment in southern China with consultants based out of Guangzhou since 2012.”
Heading the Chengdu office is Joanna Ma, who reports to Tom Shi in Beijing. Ma oversees Kuoni GTE representatives of mid-west market in Chengdu and ensures their close collaboration with the Hong Kong office.
