Mainland Chinese consumers made more than half of their luxury purchases last year overseas. In fact, the growing presence of Chinese outbound tourist-shoppers is becoming a significant part of luxury retail, in major destinations like Paris, London and New York.
 

The rise of individual tourism among wealthy Chinese is a key trend that luxury brands can't afford to ignore. It found that group travel from China – which has defined Chinese outbound travel since its first stirrings in the 1980s – is now on the wane, as 72 percent of China's outbound tourists now prefer individual "high-end" travel experiences.
 

Understanding not only what well-heeled Chinese tourists want to buy on their overseas trips but when they travel is another "must" for global brands and retailers. As reported, three major "exoduses" of Chinese outbound travelers were highlighted: Chinese New Year (January 23 – 25), China Labor Day Holiday (May 1 – 3) and China National Day Holiday (October 1 – 3).
 

Remarking on the importance of understanding annual travel and consumption trends, Sage Brennan, co-founder of China Luxury Network, said, "Reaching the Chinese consumer is not just about launching retail locations in China. Chinese consumers have gone global, and expect brands to recognize their preferences and treat them appropriately."