Getting The Industry Ready For Chinese Tourists

Air Niugini in partnership with PNG Tourism Promotion Authority organized a “ China Ready” workshop in Port Moresby on November 15^th  to train those in the tourism sector  and to ensure that they are accredited and ready to take on Chinese tourists next year once Air Niugini commences direct flights to Shanghai.
Participants came from all over the country including  tour operators, those who manage hotels, lodges, inn, bungalow as well as airports, airline and educational institutions that provide tourism and hospitality courses.
An expert on Chinese Tourism, Dr Marcus Lee gave a detailed view of the Chinese tourism market and its expectations, focusing mainly on four key areas, cultural awareness, industry specific information, language and promotion of the Chinese market.
He said in order for Papua New Guinea to tap into China’s 122 million tourist travellers each year, it is important among others to host PNG tourism sector websites in China and in the Chinese language.
“ It is a highly regulated internet space  which will enable Chinese to fully understand the type of products being offered by the tourism sector  in PNG. Don’t assume, we read your websites, we don’t read much English, google, facebook etc..” Dr Lee said.
He said while it is important to understand the Chinese culture and language, it is equally important to also know the type of services Chinese tourists look for . For example, Chinese Tourists use UnionPay Cards. It is the largest card payment organisation (debit and credit cards combined) in the world, based on payment transactions, schemes and number of cards issued, before Visa and MasterCard. It also offers mobile and online payments. The head quarter is based in Shanghai.
“ Chinese always move in group. One of the first things that they look for is sign of free wifi and UnionPay logo. UnionPay is used in 150 countries with no interest charged.”
“ You need to create products and engage them in something that they have never experienced before. You must have a Chinese representative. Make sure there is fast, free wifi, complimentary water and comfortable slipper in the accommodation you are providing for them. Don’t hug or kiss a Chinese, it’s not in our culture” Dr Lee said.
Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Simon Foo said it is important that those in the tourism industry are ready in terms of how to deal with Chinese tourists when they do come to Papua New Guinea.
“ We need to prepare ourselves, we need to know their interests, their expectations, the kind of food and services. We need to talk to the banks to ensure that the UnionPay facility is inplace. That’s why this workshop is vital for everyone.” Mr Foo said.
PNGTPA CEO, Jerry Agus said the Chinese market is very different in terms of customer behavior and demography, hence the workshop is important to look into all these areas.
He said “ I commend Air Niugini for taking a bold step to go into the Chinese  market, but it needs the support of everyone to ensure it is successful and that it continues.”
PNGTPA assisted Air Niugini with K60,000 to facilitate the workshop. Air Niugini is expected to operate direct flights between Port Moresby and Shanghai, China in March, 2018.
 
(Source: Corporate Communications Department  Media Release 01 December 2017)