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A master's thesis from Aalborg University
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Making the Danish tourism sector "China Ready": The Chinese tour operators' perspective

Author

Term

4. term

Education

Publication year

2016

Submitted on

Abstract

Kinesisk udgående turisme fylder stadig mere i den vestlige rejsebranche, men forskningen har kun i begrænset omfang fokuseret på markedet for organiserede fritidsgrupper. Denne afhandling analyserer dybt kinesiske turoperatørers perspektiver på de udfordringer og muligheder, der skal til for at gøre Danmarks turismesektor "China Ready"—altså klar til effektivt at modtage og betjene kinesiske gæster. Resultaterne fordeler sig på tre områder. For det første passer nogle af de kendetegn, der ofte tilskrives kinesiske udgående turister, ikke på fritidsgrupperejsende; turoperatørerne beskriver disse gruppers særlige karakteristika, behov og forventninger. For det andet adskiller forretningspraksis mellem kinesiske rejsebureauer og deres indgående partnere sig fra samarbejde mellem to vestlige virksomheder. Det er afgørende at forstå disse praksisser og turoperatørernes tankesæt; for eksempel vægtes hurtige svar og lavere priser højt. For det tredje har den danske turismesektor, set med turoperatørernes øjne, svagheder, som begrænser volumen og tilfredshed blandt kinesiske turister, men som også kan vendes til muligheder. Overordnet er et grundigt kendskab til kinesiske udgående fritidsgrupper, kinesiske turoperatører og forretningspraksis i den kinesiske turismebranche nøglen til at gøre Danmark "China Ready."

Chinese outbound tourism is becoming increasingly important to the Western travel industry, yet research has paid little attention to organized leisure tour groups. This thesis examines in depth Chinese tour operators’ perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for Denmark to become "China Ready"—that is, prepared to welcome and serve Chinese visitors effectively. The findings fall into three areas. First, some traits often attributed to Chinese outbound tourists do not apply to leisure group travelers; operators describe the specific characteristics, needs, and expectations of these groups. Second, the business practices between Chinese travel agencies and their inbound partners differ from typical cooperation between two Western companies. Understanding these practices and the operators’ mindset is essential; for example, fast responses and lower prices are highly valued. Third, from the operators’ viewpoint, Denmark still has weaknesses that limit visitor volume and satisfaction among Chinese tourists, but these gaps also point to clear opportunities. Overall, fully understanding Chinese leisure group tourists, Chinese tour operators, and the business practices of China’s tourism industry is key to making Denmark "China Ready."

[This abstract was generated with the help of AI]