CHINA is propping up demand in a number of South-east Asian markets, with suppliers reporting that Chinese travellers are now more open to soft-adventure and upmarket travel experiences.
Bali has seen 586,200 tourists in 2014, an increase of more than 50 per cent compared with 2013.
Kariyana, corporate general manager of Ubud-based Komaneka Resorts, said: “China contributes 17 per cent to our market mix and I am aiming to increase it to 20 per cent.” Chinese travellers in the 35-45 years old age group are interested in adventure tours, spa experiences and cooking classes, he added.
The Chinese market grew 40 per cent last year from 2013 for Bali Hai Cruises, and a growing number of Chinese are now interested in local culture and village tours, said director of sales, Pande Ardika. Furthermore, the company has a special Chinese dive instructor for Bali Hai Diving Adventure, its diving outfit.
Having turned to China after the collapse of the Russian charter market, Go Vacation Indonesia executive manager product and contracting, Marika Gloecklar, notes that many upmarket Chinese travellers heading to Bali now look to stay in luxury villas.
At the same time, Chinese travellers are venturing beyond Bali, according to Jayakarta Hotels & Resorts’ director of sales and marketing, Ellies Halim, who has observed some groups opting for its hotels in Lombok and (Labuan Bajo) in Flores.
Poleak Kim, co-founder and operation director of AST Asiatic Travel Cambodia, is targeting upmarket FITs and special interest travellers from China. “There have been inquiries for small-group homestays and trekking. AST is planning to offer photography tours, cycling and birdwatching,” he commented.
Additional reporting from S Puvaneswary.
