With 6.15 million Chinese people traveling abroad during the New Year holiday in 2017, Chinese New Year has become a golden opportunity for tourism providers who can meet the needs of multi-generational travelers.

 

 

To escape boredom and take advantage of the longest national holiday of the year, many young people are now choosing to ditch the cold winter weather and oppressive air pollution, taking their entire family to travel to warmer climates in the south of China or someplace abroad. During Chinese New Year 2016, 56 percent of young luxury travelers traveled abroad, with 90 percent of those traveling with family or friends.

 

 

There are a number of factors travelers will take into consideration during the Chinese New Year.

 

The length of holiday, anywhere from 7-10 days, will have a significant impact on whether travelers will choose a long-haul, short-haul or domestic destination. Last year the holiday was 10 days long resulting in a whopping 6.15 million people deciding to travel overseas.

 

Since the holiday falls in the middle of winter, climate is often an important factor with many people opting for warmer locations in the south of China, Hong Kong or Southeast Asia. For those choosing long-haul travel, Australia and the United States are popular choices. And in recent years, countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Morocco have received a growing number of Chinese travelers due to relaxed visa requirements.

 

Most of all, convenience is key when traveling with family. Because young couples will have to take care of both their parents and their children, they want to choose somewhere that is easy to reach (ideally a direct flight) and has family friendly accommodations and activities.

 

 

Destinations all over the globe are trying to capitalize on Chinese New Year, offering specially designed packages and discounts. Last Chinese New Year, Travel San Francisco ran a campaign targeting holiday travelers that included promotions through Chinese online travel agency Ctrip. They also inspired consumers to visit by live streaming interesting neighborhoods, cafes, and sites throughout the city. World-famous hotels including the Burj Al Arab in Dubai offered Chinese travelers exclusive holiday rates.

 

This coming New Years’, as part of the Beverly Hills Chinese New Year celebration, several high-end hotels such as The Beverly Hilton, Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel, Montage Beverly Hills, The Peninsula Beverly Hills and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills will offer special packages throughout the month of February which include discounted rates and customized amenities such as a hot water kettle with Chinese tea and in-room Chinese breakfast dining options.

 

For high-net worth families who are looking to travel domestically, Raffles Hainan is offering an exclusive 1.3 million RMB luxury Chinese New Year experience available to only one group of up to eight people. The package includes a 5-night stay in the resort’s presidential villa, a Chinese New Year family dinner designed by their executive chef served in the private dining room of the villa, a private luxury yacht party and a champagne and seafood lunch among other things.

 

 

For hotels and resorts looking to attract Chinese family travelers during the Chinese New Year, there are several things to keep in mind.

 

Provide families adjacent rooms with connecting doors or a suite with multiple bedrooms.

 

It is not necessary to create an entire Chinese menu, but do have some Chinese breakfast options available. While more experienced Chinese travelers often prefer local cuisine and new food experiences, both children and elderly Chinese travelers tend to be more conservative with their food choices

 

Provide a wide variety of activities for all ages; all-inclusive beach and ski resorts are becoming increasingly popular.