News
Chinese become world’s biggest travel spenders
The second annual Chinese International Travel Monitor reveals significant insights into the changing behaviours of Chinese travellers and how the global hotel industry is adapting.
Surveying more than 3,000 Chinese international travelers and more than 1,500 hoteliers around the world, the Hotels.com report found 75 per cent of hoteliers globally say Chinese travellers now account for up to five per cent of their business and 45 per cent say they have experienced an increase in Chinese guests over last year, with the greatest increases coming in APAC (61 per cent). Hoteliers see China as a positive growth market over the next three years with one in 10 expecting to see an increase of more than 50 per cent and almost half (47 per cent) anticipating an 11-50 per cent rise.
According to the Hotels.com report the majority of overseas Chinese travel (96 per cent) has been for leisure purposes, while just over half (52 per cent) have also visited other countries for business or education.
In a growing trend, nearly two thirds (62 per cent) of Chinese travellers say they prefer to travel independently and not as part of a group. This development has been confirmed by the hoteliers surveyed, who say 70 per cent of Chinese guests now travel independently, compared with a much more even split in 2012.
United Nations World Travel Organisation reflected that Chinese travellers spending US$102 billion on international travel in 2012, an increase of over 40% on 2011*
Johan Svanstrom, Managing Director of Hotels.com Asia Pacific, said, “The 2013 Chinese International Travel Monitor (CITM) shows the move to independent travel identified in the CITM last year is now preferred by the majority of Chinese travellers. While in-roads have been made in this area, governments will have to take this into account when organising their visa application infrastructure and processes.
In addition, the CITM highlights areas for continued improvement for accommodation providers. The ability to accept Chinese payment methods is seen as the single most important offering from hotels and over a quarter (26 per cent) of Chinese travellers feel this is a key area for improvement.
Three quarters (75 per cent) of Chinese travellers say hoteliers need to improve the provision of translated items, such as welcome literature, websites, TV programmes and newspapers, while almost half (42 per cent) say that they would like more Mandarin speaking staff in hotels.
Highlighting a disconnect between the desires of Chinese travellers and provisions made by hoteliers, a quarter (25 per cent) of hoteliers say they offer cultural awareness training to staff but only one in ten (11 per cent) offer welcome materials in Mandarin. Additionally, globally, just over half (56 per cent) of hotels have invested less than $10,000** in developing programmes and products specifically catering to Chinese guests over the past 12 months.
When it comes to researching and booking travel, personal recommendation plays an increasingly vital role, with almost a third (30 per cent) of Chinese travellers saying they rely on advice from family and friends, followed by online travel booking and review sites.
More than a quarter of Chinese travellers (27 per cent) use social media to help them make decisions on holiday destinations, with this figure rising to 33 per cent among younger travellers under 35.
“These insights highlight the need for hoteliers to adapt their marketing strategies, with a particular focus on online and social media channels, to attract Chinese travellers. While the CITM shows hoteliers are making positive steps towards catering to an increasingly mobile and savvy Chinese travel market, it also shows the need for the global hotel industry to adapt facilities and services to more extensively cater to the world’s largest market of travellers.
“In addition, programmes being implemented by many governments and tourism authorities to attract and facilitate for Chinese travellers are a positive step in the right direction, but the pace of growth in the volume of Chinese travellers appears to be outstripping the pace of change in the hotel industry,” Svanstrom concluded.
Bollywood filmmaker and celebrated choreographer Farah Khan marked the festive season with a holiday escape to the Maldives, staying at Villa Nautica and experiencing the island’s signature mix of warmth, privacy, and ocean-side celebration.
A defining creative force in Indian entertainment, Farah Khan has shaped some of Hindi cinema’s most recognisable on-screen moments, from iconic dance sequences to blockbuster storytelling. Widely regarded as one of Bollywood’s most influential choreographers, she has worked across more than 80 films and received major recognition for her craft, including India’s National Film Award for Best Choreography and multiple Filmfare Awards.
Farah’s impact extends beyond choreography. As a director, she is known for beloved mainstream hits including Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om, and Happy New Year, bringing together spectacle, humour, and heart with a style that audiences instantly connect with. She is also a familiar face to viewers through television and entertainment formats, where her sharp wit and straightforward personality have made her a standout on screen.
Villa Nautica is located on Lankanfinolhu Island in the North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, making it an easy choice for travellers planning a festive season getaway in the Maldives. The resort is known for its yacht-life inspired spirit, shimmering lagoons, and a vibrant range of ocean experiences, including diving and watersports, paired with relaxed island luxury for all-day unwinding.
JEN Maldives by Shangri-La invites guests to welcome 2026 with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve Gala Night, where city views, exceptional cuisine, and live entertainment come together for a truly memorable celebration.
This New Year’s Eve, guests can indulge in an exclusive festive gala experience featuring an elaborate buffet dinner at Lime Restaurant. Specially curated for the occasion, the menu offers an extensive selection of international favorites and celebratory delights, promising a refined culinary journey to mark the final night of the year.
As midnight approaches, the celebration moves to the Azur Rooftop, where guests can enjoy a magical countdown under the stars. With panoramic views, a lively atmosphere, and the excitement building toward the New Year, Azur provides the perfect backdrop to welcome 2026 in style.
Adding to the evening’s excitement, the night will feature a live performance by famous Maldivian singer Mohamed Nasooh.
To make the evening even more rewarding, one lucky guest will win an exclusive prize for two:
- A 3-night / 2-day stay at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
- Roundtrip air tickets from Malé to Kuala Lumpur with Batik Air
This special giveaway is presented in collaboration with Concierge Group Maldives Pvt Ltd, adding an extra layer of excitement to the New Year’s festivities.
From gourmet dining and rooftop celebrations to live music and an exceptional giveaway, the New Year’s Eve Gala Night at JEN Maldives by Shangri-La offers an evening filled with elegance, entertainment, and unforgettable moments as guests count down to a brilliant start to 2026.
For reservations and bookings, please call the hotel at (960) 330 0888 or email to maldives@hoteljen.com.
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort has officially reopened on 21 December following a six-month renovation programme aimed at upgrading accommodation, dining venues, and leisure facilities while preserving the island’s natural character.
Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort is accessible by a 35-minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport. The property is situated close to Hanifaru Bay, a well-known marine area recognised for seasonal manta ray and whale shark activity.
The resort features 105 beach and overwater villas. As part of the renovation, new Beach Villas with private plunge pools have been introduced, alongside refreshed overwater villas offering lagoon views. Existing villas have also undergone upgrades to align with NH Collection’s brand standards.
Dining outlets at the resort have been refurbished, with a focus on offering a range of cuisines. Guests can also access a variety of water sports and marine-based activities, supported by the resort’s proximity to key dive and snorkelling sites in the atoll.
Wellness facilities have been enhanced with the reopening of the resort’s spa, which now offers updated treatment spaces. Recreational and leisure areas across the island have also been improved as part of the renovation works.
With its reopening, NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort resumes operations as part of the NH Collection portfolio in the Maldives, targeting leisure travellers seeking access to Baa Atoll’s marine environment alongside upgraded accommodation and facilities.
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