Hotelbeds Group has announced its intention to step up commitment to China, now its fastest-growing source market and fifth biggest globally, up from 22nd place just five years ago.
Speaking at the recent MarketHub Asia event in Bangkok, global sales director at Hotelbeds Group, Sam Turner, commented: “China is our fastest growing source market and a top priority for growth over the next few years – the potential is huge, by many measures the Chinese are already the number one traveller globally and yet only six per cent of them hold a passport.”
Besides sourcing and contracting accommodation, Hotelbeds has also recognised the need localise payment solutions through social media platforms like WeChat to match the rising demand and sophistication of Chinese travellers, Turner observed.
The global bedbank has also rolled out technology solutions for a market that is deemed “one of the most advanced” in the world, he added, citing its APItude Cloud as an example.
Turner commented: “But it is no longer just outbound international bookings, we are seeing increasing demand internationally for China as a destination and therefore we are looking to significantly increase our hotel offerings in the country over the next 12 months.”
From its current 200 employees across China, the group is also looking to increase its staff strength in the country across its various brands, including both Hotelbeds and Bedsonline, as well as its destination management brands such as Pacific World and Destination Services.
