Preferred joins up with UnionPay in pursuit of China market

unionpay

PREFERRED Hotels & Resorts yesterday entered into a global partnership effective through 2019 with UnionPay International as part of the hospitality group’s ongoing efforts to further penetrate the Chinese market.

With a growing number of Chinese travellers “(making) their purchasing decisions based solely on where they can use their UnionPay cards”, Preferred had spent six months ensuring all its member hotels were equipped to accept the payment method.

As part of the agreement, UnionPay will provide Preferred with exposure through promotional campaigns such as banner advertising on UnionPayIntl.com and statement inserts at affiliate banks across China, which will rotate on a quarterly basis; and educate cardholders on the offerings at Preferred properties.

Kicking off the partnership, Preferred will participate in UnionPay International’s ongoing Enjoy the World Your Way consumer promotion, extending cardholders a special discount of up to 15 per cent at 125 participating properties located across several of the top 50 most popular international destinations for Chinese travellers, from Lake Como, Italy, to Los Angeles, California.

Among other recent efforts by Preferred targeting Chinese travellers are the launch of a website in simplified Chinese (www.preferredhotels.cn); dynamic social media campaigns on Sina Weibo and WeChat; a partnership with Air China; and booking connectivity with key OTAs and China’s GDS.

This year, the company also hired new associates based across Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou to handle public relations, social media, travel trade relations, and sales responsibilities, and signed three new member hotels in China – Longemont Shanghai, Longemont Hotel Chengdu and Wanda Reign Chengdu Hotel.

Sponsored Post