With a growing trend for Chinese tourists to venture abroad, many countries have set up swanky receptions for these big-spending visitors. Both Orly and Charles-de-Gaulle airports in Paris set up welcome ceremonies for Chinese tourists, with Chinese-style decorations. Pierre Graff, the head of Aeroports de Paris, even presented traditional red envelopes to the visitors from China.

Under Graff's direction, the broadcasting system at the two airports will also give announcements in Mandarin and Cantonese. Free travel guides are provided to Chinese tourists, who will also receive discounts on luxury goods. A number of Chinese-speaking staff have also been taken on at the airports.

In 2010, about 910,000 Chinese travelers visited France, spending a total of US$375 million, according to a survey conducted by research firm Euromonitor International. Last year a Chinese jewelry dealer purchased an entire vineyard, together with a garden next to a 15th century farmhouse.

The World Luxury Association says Chinese tourists now spend more on luxury goods abroad than Japanese travelers. This year's Chinese New Year break saw a tour party of 1,000 visit the United States, traveling to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami and Orlando, seeing in the Lunar New Year on Jan. 22 at the Disney World resort in Florida.